How Long Does Chicken Last In The Freezer?

The quality of frozen chicken is nothing to bawk about.

We've all heard that freezing food is the best way to preserve it, but when it comes to quality, there are time limits for everything.

Meat is a popular item to store in the freezer, because fresh meat has a short window before spoiling kept solely in the refrigerator. Storing food staples like chicken and beef in the freezer helps keep it fresher longer, but even frozen, there is a time limit on quality.

Every food has a varying time limit for the freezer, and chicken is no different. Depending on the cut, some chicken can last up to a full year if frozen continuously, but other chicken needs to be consumed within a few months.

How Long Can You Store Chicken In The Freezer?

So, how long can you store chicken in the freezer safely to ensure it tastes delicious when thawed? It depends on the cut.

FoodSafety.gov, a federally run website that represents The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture gives answers on their official food storage chart for fresh poultry to make it easier for consumers.

• A whole chicken or turkey can be kept in the freezer for up to one year.

• Chicken or turkey in pieces can be kept in the freezer for up to nine months.

• Ground chicken or turkey is best consumed within three to four months if frozen from the date of purchase.

It's important to note that the above qualifications relate only to the taste of the chicken. Frozen chicken kept continuously frozen can last indefinitely in the freezer, but the taste or quality cannot be guaranteed.

Related: How To Safely Thaw Frozen Chicken

Can You Store Cooked Chicken In The Freezer?

The USDA says yes, but there are time limits here, too, to ensure the best flavor. "Cooked chicken will taste best if kept frozen up to 4 months; cooked poultry casseroles or pieces covered with broth or gravy, 6 months; and chicken nuggets or patties, 1 to 3 months," the USDA website states.

Related: 6 Chicken Storage Mistakes You Might Be Making

How Long Is Chicken Good Past Sell-By Date?

It's important to pay attention to sell-by dates on packaged chicken. Sell-by dates are required by the USDA and indicate to consumers when a product is "best if used by" which is often printed on the label.

Raw chicken purchased at the store should be cooked or frozen one to two days after purchasing.

"After the date, peak quality begins to lessen, but the product may still be used. It's always best to buy a product before the date expires," the USDA states on its website. "If a use-by date expires while the chicken is frozen, the food can still be used because foods kept frozen continuously are safe indefinitely. The quality of the poultry may diminish the longer it is frozen."

Related: 6 Chicken Storage Mistakes You Might Be Making

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