Can You Freeze Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze rotisserie chicken whole, shredded or in pieces for 4 to 6 months without any significant loss and quality. Simply cook it, cool it, package it in freezer bags, label the bags with a date and put it in the freezer. Package it in freezer bags, label the bags with a date and put it in the freezer.

How to Freeze Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is an easy to make main dish. You can whip one up on your own or buy one at the store for relatively low cost.

You might find that if you cooked a whole chicken you can't use it all before the three or four days that it stays good in the fridge. Or, perhaps you purchased chicken in bulk on sale and want to have an easy ready to go meal for busy days at a later date.

Either way, you might need to look into how to extend the shelf life of your rotisserie chicken. Luckily, freezing your rotisserie chicken is super easy to do. The methods are similar to freezing salami, freezing bologna and freezing cooked sausage.

Determine how much you'll need when you thought and choose which of the two methods below will work best for you.

Whole chicken

If you know that you'll want to use the entire chicken once defrosted, it's easy and fastest to simply freeze it all together as a whole chicken.

• Cool it down. Make sure that your chicken has completely cool before you start packaging it. Otherwise it will create condensation in the package and lead to degradation in quality.
• Wrap it up. This step is optional. If you will be keeping it for an extended period of time in the freezer, simply wrap it with a layer of plastic wrap and or aluminum foil to help give a little extra protection.
• Package it. Take your whole chicken and pop it into a freezer bag.
• Seal it and label it. Zip your bag up after you have pressed any air out of the bag. Then, grab a marker and write the date on the outside of your bag.
• Freeze it. Take your bag and toss it into the freezer.

Shredded or in pieces

If you want smaller size portions when you defrost, it's best to freeze it shredded or in pieces.

• Cool it. Ensure that you are chicken is fully cool before getting started.
• Carve it. Determine what size portions you want when it's thawed and carve your chicken into these size portions. You can leave it on the bone and wings or legs if you desire. Or you can shred all of it.
• Wrap it up. Take your portions and wrap each one individually in a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Pack it up. Grab your individually wrapped portions and toss them all into a freezer bag or airtight container.

• Seal it up. Secure the lid on the top of your airtight container. If you chose to use a freezer bag, press all of the air from the bag and zip it closed.
• Label it and freeze it. Drop the date down on the outside of your bag or container and then stick it in the freezer.

Top freezing tips

No matter which method you choose to use from the above two methods, make sure to apply these following tips to ensure the highest quality possible in your defrosted chicken.

• Completely cool. Make sure you completely cool your chicken before beginning to package it and freeze it. Otherwise you will have condensation build up in the package and it can also increase the overall temperature in the freezer which will mess up your other foods.
• Portion correctly. Make sure you decide what portions you'll need to use ultimately when it is thawed. This way you can package it in the correct portions and only remove the amount you'll need each time.
• Keep the air out. The better rats and less air exposure your chicken has, the longer it will stay high quality while frozen. So, make sure to press any air out of your Ziploc bag before sealing it. And, if you'll be keeping it frozen for a long time, make sure you have wrecked it and at least one layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Wrap
• Aluminum Foil
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost Rotisserie Chicken

When it comes time to defrost it rotisserie chicken, you have three choices: in the fridge, In cold water or in the microwave. In cold water or in the microwave. However, if you don't have time to defrost your chicken you can cook your frozen chicken without defrosting.

In the fridge

Using the fridge to defrost your chicken is the best way to maintain the highest quality. However, it will take the longest time.

To use this method, remove your chicken from the freezer and place it into the refrigerator. If you have frozen the chicken whole, it can take up to a day or so to fully defrost. If you have shredded it or frozen it in pieces and smaller portions it can usually be defrosted overnight.

In Cold water

This method is a little faster than using the refrigerator. And while it does cause some more significant temperature changes, it's still results in a high quality defrosted chicken.

To use this method, make sure your chicken is in an airtight container or bag. Then, submerge it in water. Depending on if you have frozen bone-in whole chicken or shredded pieces will determine how long it may take to thaw. Shredded or small pieces can take less than an hour while whole chicken may take several hours.

If you are defrosting large pieces of chicken that are going to take longer than an hour make sure to change your water out every 30 minutes or so.

In the microwave

This is the fastest way to defrost your chicken. However, if using this method it's important to finish heating and then eat your chicken immediately so that no bacteria grows as it will become warm while you defrost.

To use this method, remove your chicken from the freezer and unwrap it. Then, place it in a microwave safe bowl.

Set your microwave to the defrost setting or 50% power. And then plug in the approximate weight of the chicken when prompted. The amount of time that it takes to fully defrost your chicken will depend on how much chicken you've frozen as a portion size.

Freezing Rotisserie Chicken FAQ

Can you freeze a Costco rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can freeze at Costco rotisserie chicken by simply putting it in a freezer bag, labeling the bag and sticking it in the freezer for 4 to 6 months.

How long is rotisserie chicken good in the freezer?

A rotisserie chicken is good for 4 to 6 months in the freezer without any significant loss and taste or quality. It stays safe to eat for much longer, but after the 6-month mark the quality may slowly decrease.

How long does rotisserie chicken stay good in the fridge?

According to the USDA, rotisserie chicken stays good for 3 to 4 days when kept properly in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze a whole rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can freeze a whole rotisserie chicken still on the bone simply by placing it in a freezer bag or airtight container and then putting it in the freezer.