Rotisserie chickens are a game-changer – they’re succulent, flavorful, and effortlessly convenient. You can devour them as is, add them to salads or sandwiches, and even whip up a delicious soup broth using the leftover bones. But what if you live alone or simply can’t finish your rotisserie chicken before it goes bad? Fear not, for freezing is the solution you seek!
Yes, you heard it right – freezing a rotisserie chicken is an excellent option. With proper storage, it can last up to 4 months, and as long as it’s kept below 0°F, it can last indefinitely! But how do you go about doing it right? We’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll not only teach you how to store a rotisserie chicken, but also the best way to defrost it, how long it lasts, and answer any other questions you may have about freezing and preserving it for optimal results. So sit tight and let’s get started!
Can You Freeze A Cooked Rotisserie Chicken?
Are you a fan of rotisserie chicken but can’t seem to finish it all in one sitting? Or maybe you bought one on sale and want to save it for later. Whatever your reason, freezing cooked rotisserie chicken is a smart way to extend its lifespan and get more bang for your buck.
Gone are the days of worrying about wasting leftover meat that can’t stay fresh in the fridge for more than a few days. Freezing is a simple and effective method to preserve food for longer periods, and rotisserie chicken is no exception.
The best part? You have options. Whether you prefer to freeze it whole or pull it off the bones first, the cooked chicken can be used for a variety of dishes such as soups, sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even as a standalone protein.
So next time you’re debating whether to buy that extra rotisserie chicken, go ahead and throw it in the freezer knowing it will be just as delicious and useful when you’re ready to use it.
How To Freeze The Whole Rotisserie Chicken?
Freezing a rotisserie chicken is a simple and easy way to have a delicious meal on hand whenever you need it.
Before you start, make sure to allow the chicken to cool completely. Freezing hot food can cause freezer burn and compromise the taste and texture of your meal. Once the chicken has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
But here’s a pro tip: if you want to enjoy the best quality and flavor, it’s best to freeze the chicken on the same day it was cooked. While a cooked rotisserie chicken can be refrigerated for 2-3 days before freezing, waiting too long can lead to a decline in taste and texture.
How To Freeze Cooked Rotisserie Chicken?
If you’ve ever bought a rotisserie chicken and found yourself with leftovers, you may have wondered if it’s possible to freeze it. Well, the good news is, you absolutely can! And not only that, but there are a few different ways to do it, depending on how you plan to use the chicken later.
First things first, let’s talk about freezing a whole rotisserie chicken. To do this, you’ll want to let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Easy peasy!
But what if you want to freeze individual portions of the chicken to use in meals later? In that case, you’ll want to break down the chicken into smaller pieces. Wrap the wings, thighs, and breasts individually and place them in a ziploc bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag and popping it in the freezer.
Finally, if you plan to use the chicken for things like soups, stews, or casseroles, you may want to shred it first. Simply remove the bone and shred the meat into smaller pieces. Then, transfer the chicken to a ziploc bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
How To Thaw A Rotisserie Chicken?
Are you craving some delicious rotisserie chicken that has been sitting in your freezer for a while? Don’t worry, thawing it out and bringing it back to life is super easy and will only take a few hours!
First things first, remove your chicken from the freezer and let it thaw on your kitchen counter for a couple of hours until it’s soft and ready to cook. If you have a whole rotisserie chicken to thaw, it’s best to place it in the fridge overnight and then leave it out for a few hours on the counter.
The size of your chicken portions will determine the thawing time. For a quick fix, you can always submerge the freezer baggies in warm water (not hot) to speed up the process.
I’ve found that portioned baggies of chicken off the bone thaw more quickly than a whole or partial chicken. Once your chicken is thawed, the possibilities are endless! Use it to make sandwiches, chicken salad, eggs, or wraps. If you want to enjoy it warm, simply crisp it up in the oven.
With these tips, your thawed rotisserie chicken will taste amazing and maintain its texture. So go ahead and enjoy that tasty meal you’ve been waiting for!
How To Reheat A Rotisserie Chicken?
In the oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, grab an oven-safe dish and place your chicken inside. To keep it moist and delicious, tent it with some tinfoil and pour 1/2 -1 cup of water or chicken broth into the bottom of the dish.
Once your oven is ready, place the dish inside and let it warm through for about 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil, drizzle some olive oil over the chicken, and pop it back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes to crisp up that skin to perfection.
Once your chicken is looking and smelling amazing, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before carving and serving it up. Your friends and family will be amazed at how deliciously moist and crispy your reheated rotisserie chicken turns out!
In an air fryer
Want the crispiest skin and moistest chicken in the shortest amount of time? Look no further than your air fryer. Yes, you read that right. With just a few simple steps, you can reheat a whole rotisserie chicken to perfection, achieving the kind of mouth-watering results you’d expect from your favorite restaurant.
Here’s what you need to do: preheat your air fryer to 350°F, and break down the chicken into portion sizes that will fit fully into the fryer. Then, place the chicken in the basket or on the racks and let the air fryer work its magic for about 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your skin. Check it at the 3-minute mark, and if you want it even crispier, return it to the air fryer for a bit longer.
Once your chicken is warm and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a couple of minutes before indulging in its juicy goodness. Whether you’re serving up a family meal or just looking for a quick and easy lunch, this air fryer hack is sure to become a staple in your culinary arsenal. So why wait? Grab your rotisserie chicken and get ready to impress your taste buds!