If you’re anything like me, you might have wondered, “How long does chicken broth last?” I was bothered by this question when my mother brought me a lot of chicken broth for dinner. Since I don’t want to waste any broth in the disposal bag, I asked my friends about its shelf life.
Since none of the people I asked knows the exact shelf life of chicken broth, I tried to search online. I checked all credible websites, as well as food forums, to know the answer. To discover the answer, keep reading below.
What Is Chicken Broth?
Chicken broth can be created by stewing a chicken. If you like a rich and deep flavor, use old birds, but you may need to simmer them slowly to soften the meat. As compared to chicken stock, chicken broth is made of meat while the chicken stock is created from bones.
Unlike chicken stock, chicken broth needs to be seasoned to add more flavor. Store-bought chicken broth, like this one, is the best friend of busy moms because all you need is open it up when needed. If you have the time, you can make your chicken broth just as demonstrated by The Culinary Institute of America in this video here.
Health Benefits Of Chicken Broth
Not only is chicken broth delicious but it can be nutritious as well. To learn more about its health benefits, check the list below.
- 1. Weight Loss
Being a complex carbohydrate, chicken broth can help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism. As you supplement your body with a steady supply of carbohydrates, your metabolism will work normally, burning fats more than ever. Generally, chicken broth is low in calorie and fat, making it an ideal choice for those who are watching their weight.
- 2. Fights Infections
Chicken broth has always been known to be a cure for upper respiratory infections. According to a study published by the Nebraska Medical Center, consuming chicken broth can minimize the number of white blood cells that cause common cold symptoms.
- 3. Cures A Leaky Gut
The glutamine released in the chicken broth during cooking helps cure a leaky gut. One of the causes of a leaky gut is the depletion of glutamine when you get stressed. By supplementing your body with enough glutamine, your intestinal cells receive the nutrients they require to be healthy, hence absorb nutrients from food more effectively.
So, How Long Does Chicken Broth Last?
When properly stored, homemade chicken broth can last in the refrigerator up to 5-6 days. For store-bought ones, you can keep the unopened ones up to one year while the opened ones may last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. In the freezer, chicken broth can last about 4-6 months.
The shelf life of chicken broth may rely on several factors, like the preparation process, the storage method, and the best before date. You can tell that the chicken broth has gone bad if its aroma has become sour. In the container, you can also see some sediment in the bottom.
Proper Storage Of Chicken Broth
To store chicken broth in the freezer, keep them in airtight plastic containers. You can also store the broth in ice cube trays. Once frozen, place the cubes in a thick freezer bag.Before you seal it, make sure that you remove all air as possible. You can seal the bag by sucking the air out using a drinking straw. If you have a vacuum sealer, the better.
For your store-bought chicken broth, you can keep them in the pantry away from direct sunlight and moisture. Never store your chicken broth in an opened metal can. Instead, use a sealed container, like one or a covered glass container after opening.
Thawing And Enjoying Chicken Broth
You can thaw frozen chicken broth by warming it in a saucepan of hot water. A more convenient way is to microwave it for about a minute. The safest way is to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Once thawed, you can turn it into an egg drop soup by adding eggs, soy sauce, and scallions. You can also make a tortilla soup by squeezing some lime juice and topping with tortilla chips, cheese, and cilantro. Best of all, you can make the broth as a soup base for your noodle soup by stirring in some udon or egg noodles and adding some chopped greens.
Final Thought On How Long Does Chicken Broth Last
How long does chicken broth last? You can keep unopened store-bought chicken broth in the pantry up to a year. Once opened, it can be kept in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Homemade chicken broth can last for about 5-6 days. If frozen, it can last longer for about 4-6 months.
Have you tried storing a chicken broth for future use? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. If you like this article, feel free to share it with your family and friends.
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