Learning how to cook and freeze chicken breast can change you life. Many frugal recipes call for cooked chicken breast. Having to cook chicken as needed can really put a drain on your dinner time prep and buying canned chicken, well…we’ll just leave that alone.
My favorite thing to do to save time and money is to cook and freeze my chicken breast ahead of time. It thaws really fast when needed, especially if you pop it in the microwave for a few minutes. And if you’re throwing it in a soup or the slow cooker, there’s no reason to thaw at all.
Although we seldom see coupons for chicken, you can still practice The Pantry Principle by stocking up when it reaches it’s lowest price per pound. My buy price for chicken has to be under $2/lb and it must be fresh! Trust me on this, there is a HUGE difference between fresh and previously frozen chicken. That’s why I buy the majority of my chicken breast from Zaycon Fresh.
When I first started freezing cooked chicken, I cooked it in the slow cooker, however, I wasn’t too fond of the texture that resulted. Now I prepare chicken breast for the freezer by baking it in the oven. There’s also a perk…you get chicken broth out of the deal too!
How to Cook and Freeze Chicken Breast
Rinse, trim and then lay chicken breasts in a single layer in large baking dish or roasting pan.
Cover tightly with foil and bake the chicken breast at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and let cool completely with foil still intact. This will ensure moister meat.
Once the chicken is completely cooked, transfer the breasts to another container, cover and place in refrigerator for a couple of hours. Cooling the chicken way down makes chopping it a much simpler task. If you try to chop it up when it’s still warm, your chicken will start to shred* and fall apart.
*Note: If you need shredded chicken for a recipe, this is the ideal time to do it. If you desire to freeze lots of shredded chicken for future meals, then follow these instructions, but in the SLOW COOKER and shred while still warm.
Next, pour the broth from the baking dish through a sieve (to remove particles) and into a glass container. I like to use a big glass measuring cup, but I’ve also poured it directly into mason jars before. Once this cools down, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours.
While in the refrigerator, the excess fat will rise to the top and solidify. Simply scrape the fat from the top and discard. Pour the broth into glass mason jars or the freezer container of your choice. Label and freeze for up to one year.
Be sure to freeze broth in different sizes so you have a variety available. It’s not safe to thaw and refreeze poultry broth, so you’ll want to make sure you have the right amount on hand to avoid waste. You might consider the following:
Ice Cube Trays – each cube = approximately 2 tablespoons
Pint Size Mason Jars = 1 1/2 cups
Quart Size Mason Jars = 3 1/2 cups*
*Perfect size for making soups or boiling pasta
Last, remove the chicken breast from the refrigerator and chop into bite size pieces. Transfer to resealable freezer bags or containers and freeze for 3-4 months.
Now you you’re prepared for anytime a recipe calls for cooked chicken or chicken broth.
Save $$ on Fresh Chicken Breast and Other Fresh Meats
Zaycon Fresh – Great Prices on FRESH Chicken Delivered to Your Area
I love having my Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (and other fresh meats) delivered by Zaycon Fresh. By cutting out the middle man, Zaycon Fresh brings you the highest quality meat products at the lowest prices. They host events at locations nationwide and now more people than ever are able to take advantage of the freshness and super savings.
They sell lots of other products too, like Lean Ground Beef, Bacon, Ham, and more! I’m super excited that they have started offering boneless skinless tenders and thighs too!
Register with Zaycon Fresh and they’ll let you know when a sales event is coming to your area AND/OR when they run a flash sale!
Mary from Mission to Save says
I do something similar and use my crock pot to cook the chicken. And thanks for the tip about cooling it down before cutting! Mine would always shred, so know I know why!
Amanda says
You’re welcome, Mary! A friend passed that little tip down to me. Works great for whole chicken that you want to debone also!
Linda says
Can’t wait to do this. I’m in full time classes and about to start a full time job. Thank you for this!
Amanda Brackney says
Happy to help, Linda! Let me know what you think!
Sam Eaton says
Great post! Very clear instructions and easy to follow pictures! Hmm… this would be a great thing to have on hand for those rushed, after work days. Thank you!
Amanda Brackney says
Exactly, Sam! Having precooked chicken on hand saves a ton of prep time in the kitchen. Thanks for commenting!
Marie says
I love doing this but instead of heating up the kitchen in the summer time, I typically use the crockpot. in the winter using the oven is good because it helps heat our home.
@spreadingJOY
Marie
BloggerCareGroup
Amanda Brackney says
Yep, we use the crock pot sometimes too, but really don’t like the texture as much as ovenbaked. 🙂