All About Chicken broth
Your complete guide to chicken broth - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Chicken broth Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for chicken broth in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
freezer4-6 months (for best quality); safe indefinitely when properly frozen.
Signs of Spoilage
While freezing stops microbial growth, quality can degrade over time. Signs include significant freezer burn (dried-out spots), loss of flavor, or a noticeable change in color or texture upon thawing. No typical 'spoilage' in terms of being unsafe, but quality diminishes.
How to Check
Upon thawing, check for excessive freezer burn. Smell for any off-odors (though less common with frozen items). The broth may appear slightly cloudy or have some separation after thawing, which is normal. If there's a strong off-odor, discard.
Storage Tips
Freeze broth in airtight containers, freezer-safe bags, or ice cube trays for convenient portioning. Leave about an inch of headspace in containers as liquids expand when frozen. Label with the date frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a microwave. Use thawed broth within 2-3 days.
unopened pantryUp to 6-12 months past 'best by' or 'use by' date, if stored properly and container is intact. Quality may degrade over time.
Signs of Spoilage
Swollen or bulging container, leaks, rust (for cans), visible damage to the packaging, or a foul odor immediately upon opening.
How to Check
Visually inspect the container for any signs of damage or bulging. Check the 'best by' date. If the container is compromised or if there's an off-odor upon opening, discard it.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. While safe past the 'best by' date, quality (flavor, color) may diminish.
opened refrigerator3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Cloudy appearance, development of a slimy texture, visible mold growth (often white, green, or black spots on the surface), or a sour, yeasty, or off-smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect for cloudiness or mold. Give it a good sniff – any sour, pungent, or 'off' smell indicates spoilage. Do not taste to test for spoilage.
Storage Tips
Transfer opened commercial broth or homemade broth into an airtight container or a clean, covered jar. Label with the date opened. Store on a middle or top shelf in the refrigerator, not in the door, where temperatures fluctuate more.