How to Freeze Rotisserie Chicken Properly

Rotisserie chicken is a popular and convenient option for busy weeknights or quick meals. But what if you have leftovers or want to stock up on store-bought rotisserie chicken? Can you freeze rotisserie chicken? The answer is yes! Here’s how to freeze rotisserie chicken properly.

What is Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken refers to a method of cooking where a whole chicken is skewered on a rotating spit and cooked slowly over an open flame, grill, or in an oven. This technique results in evenly cooked, tender, and flavorful chicken with crispy skin.

Rotisserie chicken is commonly seasoned with herbs, spices, and marinades to enhance its taste. It’s a popular and convenient option for ready-to-eat cooked chicken available in many grocery stores, restaurants, and markets. Rotisserie chicken is often used as a versatile ingredient in various dishes or enjoyed on its own as a convenient and flavorful meal.

How Long Can Rotisserie Chicken Sit On the Counter

Rotisserie chicken, like any perishable food, should not sit on the counter at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40°F (4.4°C) and 140°F (60°C), leading to the risk of foodborne illnesses.

If the room temperature is above 90°F (32°C), the safe window reduces to just 1 hour. To ensure food safety, it’s advisable to refrigerate or consume rotisserie chicken promptly after it has been cooked or purchased. If you’re planning to serve it later, it’s best to refrigerate it within the recommended time frame.

How to Freeze Rotisserie Chicken

How to Freeze Whole Rotisserie Chicken

If you have a whole rotisserie chicken, let it cool completely before freezing. You can either freeze the whole chicken or break it down into smaller pieces for easier storage. To freeze a whole rotisserie chicken, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Label it with the date and store it in the freezer. For best quality, use within 2-6 months.

How to Freeze Shredded Rotisserie Chicken

If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can freeze it in portions for future meals. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and then place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Label it with the date and store it in the freezer. For best quality, use within 2-3 months.

Homemade Rotisserie Chicken

If you made homemade rotisserie chicken, let it cool completely before freezing. Break it down into smaller pieces for easier storage and then wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag, label with the date, and store them in the freezer. For best quality, use within 2-6 months.

How Long Can You Freeze Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken can be frozen for up to four months if stored properly. It’s important to keep in mind that the quality and texture of the chicken may deteriorate after being frozen for a prolonged period of time.

Expert Tips on Avoiding Freezer Burn

To avoid freezer burn, make sure to store your rotisserie chicken in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag, or use a vacuum sealer for extra protection. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date and type of chicken, so you can keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer.

Suggested Recipe: Easy Chicken Pita Wraps

How to Thaw Frozen Rotisserie Chicken

There are a few methods you can use to safely thaw frozen rotisserie chicken. Here are three commonly used methods:

1. Thawing in the refrigerator: This is the safest method for thawing frozen chicken. Simply transfer the frozen rotisserie chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. For larger pieces of chicken, like a whole rotisserie chicken, it may take up to 24 hours to fully thaw.
2. Thawing in cold water: If you need to thaw the chicken quickly, you can place the frozen chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is fully thawed. This method should take about 1-2 hours depending on the size of the chicken.
3. Thawing in the microwave: This method is quicker but requires more attention to avoid partially cooking the chicken. Place the frozen chicken on a microwave-safe dish and use the defrost setting or set the microwave to 50% power. Rotate the chicken every few minutes and check it frequently to ensure it is not cooking. It’s important to note that this method can partially cook the chicken and may affect the texture and flavour.

Once the rotisserie chicken is fully thawed, it can be reheated in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

Can You Refreeze Rotisserie Chicken

It’s not recommended to refreeze rotisserie chicken after it has been thawed, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness. When chicken is frozen, any bacteria present are in a dormant state. However, when the chicken is thawed, the bacteria can become active again, and refreezing the chicken can cause further growth and multiplication of bacteria.

Therefore, it’s best to only thaw the amount of rotisserie chicken you need, and to use it within a few days of thawing. If you have leftover chicken that has been thawed but not used, it’s safest to store it in the refrigerator and use it within 2-3 days, rather than refreezing it. This applies to all types of cooked chicken, including rotisserie chicken.

What to Make with your Leftover Chicken

• Chicken Meatballs with a Feta Yogurt Sauce
• Grilled Chicken with a Summer Garden Sauce
• Orange, Feta and Arugula Salad
• Mexican Shredded Chicken (via Minimalist Baker)
• Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

In summary

You can freeze store-bought or homemade rotisserie chicken, either as a whole chicken or shredded. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container or Ziploc bag, label it with the date, and use it within 2-6 months for the best quality. Happy freezing and reheating!