Can You Freeze Rotisserie Chicken? Here Are 3 Simple Freezing Methods

When you're shopping for groceries, it's hard to resist the aroma of fresh rotisserie chicken. These ready-to-eat, seasoned birds are affordable, delicious, and make for a quick meal. But what happens when you have leftovers? Can you freeze rotisserie chicken? Whether you're left with more chicken than you can finish, or you love to stockpile rotisserie chicken for easy meals, freezing it is an excellent solution. You can freeze a whole rotisserie chicken, pieces of rotisserie chicken, or shredded rotisserie chicken, depending on your preferences. Read on for three different ways to freeze rotisserie chicken and make meal prep easier!

Can You Freeze a Whole Rotisserie Chicken?

Believe it or not, you can freeze an entire rotisserie chicken! However, there are some important things to consider if you want to freeze a whole chicken. First, we don’t recommend freezing a chicken while it's still hot or even warm, as this can affect the texture and increase the risk of harmful bacteria. Ideally, you should place the chicken in the refrigerator within two hours of purchasing it if you're not planning to eat it right away. For the best results, freeze the chicken once it has cooled in the refrigerator, after about one to two hours. However, if necessary, you can freeze it within the first three to four days as long as it has been properly refrigerated. If the chicken is slightly warm when you bring it home, you can allow it to cool to room temperature before freezing it, but it must go into the freezer within two hours to prevent bacteria from forming.

To freeze a whole rotisserie chicken, follow these simple steps:

1. Allow the chicken to cool completely.
2. To freeze, place the chicken in an airtight food storage container or a freezer-safe plastic bag. Label it with the date and remove any excess air, if possible. For the best quality, flavor, and texture, use the chicken within four months.

Can You Freeze Rotisserie Chicken Pieces?

If you're planning to freeze rotisserie chicken, we recommend freezing the pieces instead of the whole bird. While both methods work, frozen pieces are easier to thaw and portion for future use. If you have a whole rotisserie chicken that you want to freeze, start by cutting it into pieces. Once you’ve separated the wings, thighs, breasts, and any other parts, you can freeze them individually. Here's how you can freeze rotisserie chicken pieces:

1. After you've separated your chicken into pieces, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap to avoid them sticking together.
2. Place each wrapped piece into a freezer-safe plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Be sure to label the bag with the date.

Can You Freeze Shredded Rotisserie Chicken?

Freezing shredded rotisserie chicken is a great option if you have plenty of leftovers. Many people love to buy an extra rotisserie chicken from the store, shred the meat when they get home, and store it in the freezer for easy, quick dinners with minimal effort.

You can shred the chicken as soon as you get home from the store, even if it's still a bit warm. It's actually easier to shred when it's warm rather than after it's been refrigerated for a few hours. To shred the chicken, remove the skin and pull the meat off the bones, discarding any gristle. Next, place the chicken in a bowl and use a hand mixer to shred it. Alternatively, if you have a stand mixer, you can use that to shred the chicken. Of course, you can shred it by hand as well, but a hand or stand mixer will make the process much quicker. Once the chicken is shredded and has cooled to room temperature, follow the steps below to freeze it:

1. Divide your shredded chicken into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw and use later on.
2. Place each portion in a small, freezer-safe plastic bag, removing as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date and lay it flat in the freezer to prevent the chicken from sticking together.
3. Repeat this process with any remaining shredded chicken.

How to Thaw Rotisserie Chicken

Thawing rotisserie chicken is a simple process, but the exact method depends on how the chicken was frozen initially.

• Whole rotisserie chicken: To thaw a whole rotisserie chicken, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can submerge the bag or container the chicken was frozen in, in a bowl of cold water, ensuring no water enters the bag. After about three to four hours, the chicken should be thawed. Once thawed, reheat and enjoy. Avoid refreezing leftovers.
• Rotisserie chicken pieces: To thaw pieces of rotisserie chicken, take the plastic bag containing the pieces out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, submerge the bag in cold water (without letting water get inside). After about two to three hours, the chicken should be thawed. Once thawed, reheat and enjoy. Do not refreeze any leftovers.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken: To thaw shredded rotisserie chicken, take the bag containing the shredded chicken from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, submerge the bag in cold water, ensuring no water enters the bag. After one to two hours, the chicken should be thawed. Once thawed, you can use the chicken in soups, salads, tacos, grain bowls, and more. The possibilities are endless! Avoid refreezing any leftovers.

How Long Does Rotisserie Chicken Last?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a fully cooked rotisserie chicken can last in the refrigerator for three to four days. You can eat it cold or reheat it to 165 degrees. During this period, you can also freeze part or all of the chicken using any of the methods mentioned earlier. Once frozen, cooked rotisserie chicken is best used within four months for optimal quality, flavor, and texture. However, as the USDA points out, if the chicken has been kept frozen continuously, it can be safely consumed indefinitely.