It’s a common question for home cooks: how long can you keep chicken broth in the fridge? This can be a little confusing, especially when you’re just starting out in the kitchen. You want to make sure your food is safe and tastes its best.
Don’t worry, figuring this out is actually quite simple. We’ll walk you through exactly what you need to know so you can feel confident about your broth. Let’s get to the good stuff.
How Long Is Chicken Broth Good In The Fridge
Knowing how long chicken broth lasts in the refrigerator is super important for food safety and flavor. When you make your own chicken broth or buy it from the store, you need to be aware of its shelf life. This helps prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures your cooking turns out delicious.
We’ll cover the best practices for storing chicken broth so you don’t have to guess.
Storing Fresh Chicken Broth
When you make chicken broth from scratch, it’s fresh and full of flavor. You’ve probably spent time simmering bones and vegetables to get that rich taste. Proper storage keeps it that way.
Refrigeration Time for Homemade Broth
Freshly made chicken broth that has cooled down properly and is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator is typically good for about 3 to 4 days. This is a good general guideline. It’s best to use it within this timeframe.
To cool homemade broth quickly and safely before refrigerating, it’s recommended to place it in shallow containers. You can also put the pot or container of broth in an ice bath. Rapid cooling helps prevent bacteria from growing.
Airtight Containers Are Key
Always use clean, airtight containers for storing your homemade broth. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or good quality plastic containers work well. This helps keep out air and other contaminants that can spoil the broth.
Label your containers with the date you made the broth. This makes it easy to track how long it’s been in the fridge and ensures you use the oldest broth first.
Storing Store-Bought Chicken Broth
Store-bought chicken broth comes in different types of packaging, and each has its own storage recommendations. The way it’s packaged affects how long it stays good, both before and after opening.
Unopened Shelf-Stable Broth
Broth sold in aseptic cartons (like those made of cardboard and foil) is shelf-stable. This means it doesn’t need refrigeration until it’s opened. It usually has a “best by” date printed on the package.
If unopened and stored in a cool, dry pantry, it can last for many months, sometimes even a year or more, past this date if the packaging remains intact.
However, it’s always a good idea to check the “best by” date. While it might be safe to consume after this date, the quality might decrease.
Opened Shelf-Stable Broth
Once you open a shelf-stable carton of chicken broth, it needs to be refrigerated. It should be transferred to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, opened shelf-stable broth is generally good for about 4 to 7 days.
Make sure to seal the container tightly after each use. This helps maintain freshness and prevents it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
Canned Chicken Broth
Canned chicken broth also has a long shelf life before opening, typically lasting well past its printed expiration date if stored properly in a cool, dry place.
After opening a can of chicken broth, transfer any unused portion to an airtight container and refrigerate. Like opened shelf-stable broth, it’s best to use opened canned broth within 4 to 7 days.
Refrigerated Broth (Pre-packaged)
Some stores sell chicken broth that is already refrigerated. This type of broth usually has a shorter shelf life than shelf-stable or canned versions, even before opening. Always check the “sell by” or “use by” date on these packages.
Once opened, this type of refrigerated broth should be used within 4 to 7 days, just like other opened broths.
Signs Your Chicken Broth Has Gone Bad
Even with proper storage, chicken broth can eventually spoil. Knowing the signs of spoilage is your best defense against consuming unsafe food.
Smell
A primary indicator that chicken broth has gone bad is its smell. Fresh broth has a pleasant, savory aroma. If your broth smells sour, off, or like rotten eggs, it’s time to discard it.
Trust your nose; it’s usually the first clue.
Appearance
Look at the broth’s appearance. If it has become cloudy when it was clear, or if there’s any mold growth on the surface or sides of the container, it has spoiled. Discoloration that seems unnatural is also a warning sign.
Taste
If the smell and appearance seem okay, you might cautiously taste a small amount. However, if it tastes sour, metallic, or just generally unpleasant and “off,” do not consume it. The taste can be a very reliable indicator of spoilage.
Freezing Chicken Broth
If you have more chicken broth than you can use within the recommended refrigerated time, freezing is an excellent option. Freezing allows you to preserve its quality for much longer.
How Long Does Frozen Broth Last?
Properly frozen chicken broth can last for up to 6 months in the freezer without a significant loss of quality. For best flavor, it’s often recommended to use it within 3 to 4 months. Beyond 6 months, while it might still be safe to eat, its flavor might not be as good.
Freezing Methods
There are several convenient ways to freeze chicken broth.
- Ice Cube Trays: This is a fantastic method for small portions. Pour cooled broth into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. These small portions are perfect for adding flavor to sauces or small dishes.
- Freezer Bags: For larger quantities, pour cooled broth into heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay them flat on a baking sheet in the freezer until frozen, then store them upright. This saves space and makes them easy to stack.
- Containers: You can also freeze broth in rigid, freezer-safe containers. Leave some headspace at the top, as liquids expand when frozen.
Always ensure your broth is completely cooled before freezing. This helps prevent freezer burn and maintains its quality.
Using Leftover Broth Safely
Once you’ve determined your broth is still good, using it in cooking is straightforward.
Reheating
When reheating refrigerated broth, do so thoroughly. Bring it to a rolling boil and let it simmer for a minute or two. This helps kill any potential bacteria that might have developed.
If you are using frozen broth, thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave and then reheat.
Never reheat broth more than once. Repeated cooling and reheating can degrade quality and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
When in Doubt Throw It Out
This is a golden rule in food safety. If you are unsure whether your chicken broth is still good, it is always best to discard it. The risks associated with consuming spoiled food are not worth it.
Your health is more important than saving a small amount of broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long is homemade chicken broth good in the fridge?
Answer: Homemade chicken broth is typically good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container after cooling completely.
Question: Can I freeze chicken broth to make it last longer?
Answer: Yes, freezing is an excellent way to store chicken broth. It can last in the freezer for up to 6 months for good quality, and potentially longer if kept consistently frozen.
Question: What are the signs that chicken broth has gone bad?
Answer: Signs of spoilage include a sour or off smell, cloudiness or mold growth, and an unpleasant or sour taste.
Question: How long does opened store-bought chicken broth last in the refrigerator?
Answer: Opened store-bought chicken broth, whether from a carton or can, should be used within 4 to 7 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
Question: Is it safe to drink chicken broth past its “best by” date?
Answer: Unopened shelf-stable broth may be safe past its “best by” date if stored properly, but its quality may have decreased. Opened broth should be consumed within the recommended refrigerated timeframes.
Final Thoughts
Knowing How Long Is Chicken Broth Good In The Fridge is straightforward now. Homemade broth lasts about 3-4 days, while opened store-bought broth typically stays good for 4-7 days. Always check for signs of spoilage like smell or appearance.
For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, keeping broth good for up to 6 months. Trust your senses and when in doubt, throw it out to keep your meals safe and tasty.