Chicken broth is one of those versatile pantry staples that can make so many dishes taste amazing. A steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, a flavorful pot of rice, savory braised veggies – they all start with a good rich chicken broth But once you open a carton or can of chicken broth, how long does it really last before it goes bad? Here’s what you need to know about getting the most out of your chicken broth and how long it stays fresh after opening
Shelf Life of Unopened Chicken Broth
Let’s start with an unopened container of chicken broth, whether it’s a box, can, or jar As long as it remains factory-sealed, commercially produced chicken broth has a very long shelf life. An unopened box or can of chicken broth will stay fresh in your pantry for 12-18 months past the printed “best by” date
This is how long most major store-bought brands of chicken broth will last, including both organic and non-organic varieties. If you keep it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, an unopened container of chicken broth will last even after the date written on the package.
Refrigerating Unopened Chicken Broth
Some people like to keep their unopened chicken broth in the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible. This is fine; putting unopened chicken broth in the fridge can make it last for several more months. Chicken broth that hasn’t been opened can be kept in the fridge for up to two years after the date printed on the package before the quality starts to go down.
Putting those unopened containers of chicken broth in the fridge will help it stay as fresh as possible so that it tastes its best. Just make sure to check the dates on the food every so often and cook with the older boxes first.
Shelf Life After Opening Chicken Broth
Once you open that chicken broth container and break the seal, it doesn’t last nearly as long. This is because microbes in the air, oxygen, and light can now get inside and start to break down the broth. Here are some rules for how long chicken broth will last after being opened:
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Refrigerator: An opened carton, can, or jar of chicken broth will stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days. Make sure to close the container tightly after each use.
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Freezer: Chicken broth that has been opened will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. Transfer it to air-tight containers or freezer bags.
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Pantry: Don’t store opened chicken broth in the pantry! It must be refrigerated and used within 4-5 days to prevent bacterial growth.
No matter where you store it after opening, make sure chicken broth is contained in an airtight, non-reactive container to prevent absorption of fridge odors and oxidation. Glass and plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best.
Signs Your Opened Broth Has Gone Bad
So how can you tell when an opened container of chicken broth has gone past its prime? Here are a few signs to watch out for:
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Change in color: Fresh chicken broth should be pale yellow. If it darkens significantly or changes color, toss it.
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Cloudiness: Cloudy chicken broth that was previously clear is a red flag for bacteria growth.
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Sliminess: Fresh broth should have a clean, thin texture. Visible slimy strands or film means spoilage.
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Off odors: Chicken broth past its prime may smell sour, rancid, or unpleasantly strong.
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Mold: Any fuzzy spots or film on the surface of your chicken broth means it’s time to say goodbye. Don’t try to skim it off – mold can release toxins. When in doubt, throw it out!
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Expired date: If your opened chicken broth is past the 4-5 day recommended fridge life, it’s safest to discard it.
Extending the Life of Opened Chicken Broth
Want to get the most mileage out of that precious opened chicken broth? Here are some tips for extending its shelf life:
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Refrigerate promptly after opening and keep chilled at 40°F or below.
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Use clean utensils each time to avoid cross-contamination. Never put a dirty spoon back in the container.
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Portion into smaller containers to limit oxygen exposure. Avoid opening the main container multiple times.
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Freeze excess broth in ice cube trays or muffin tins for easy portioning later.
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Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to help inhibit bacterial growth.
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Boil used chicken broth for 1-2 minutes to extend its shelf life 2-3 more days. This kills any organisms that may have started growing.
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Trust your nose – if it smells unpleasant, it’s better to be safe than sorry and discard it.
Bottom Line
An unopened box or can of chicken broth will stay fresh for over a year at room temperature. But once opened, chicken broth only lasts about 4-5 more days in the fridge. Make sure to seal it airtight, refrigerate quickly after opening, and freeze any excess for longer storage. With proper handling, you can safely enjoy chicken broth’s huge range of culinary benefits without having to worry about it going bad prematurely.
How Long Does an Open Box of Chicken Stock Last?
Different brands of chicken stock have different fridge life times. Store-bought chicken broth has the same shelf life. The box of stock or broth has a “best by” date, which tells you how long the stock will be good before you open it. It also has the number of days it will last in the fridge after its open. I checked five boxes of stock at my local grocery store and their “use within” time frame ranged from five to 14 days.
“Opened stock generally stays safe in the refrigerator for five days,” says Janice Revell, cofounder of StillTasty.com, a website that helps readers avoid food waste. “If the label states that the opened product is safer beyond that date, then consumers should follow the label guidance, but five days in the refrigerator is the safe guideline.”
If the food in your fridge is a day or two past the “use by” date but still smells and tastes good, it’s probably still safe to use. However, there are no guarantees since not all foodborne pathogens affect the aroma or taste of foods.
“Since stock is not very expensive, I don’t like for it to go too far after the expiration date, so I might ditch it if anything was in question,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, Registered Dietician Nutritionist and author of Read It Before You Eat It.
“But if it makes sense and hasn’t gone bad too long ago, I would definitely use it.” ” Speaking of the sense test—if your stock smells or tastes off you should throw it away, even if the five-day safety window hasnt passed.
Before putting an open container of chicken stock in the fridge, use a marker to write the date you opened it on the carton.
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Store the stock properly:
Once youve opened a box of stock and used what you need, reseal it tightly and put it immediately in the coolest part of your fridge—that would generally be near the back of a shelf, rather than on the door. Also keep in mind that like most foods that need to be refrigerated, an open container of stock shouldnt be left at room temperature for more than two hours. So every time you use the stock, reseal it and put it right back in the fridge right away.
Making enough chicken broth for a year! #canning #foodpreservation #homesteading #recipe
FAQ
Can you use opened chicken broth after 14 days?
Chicken broth can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and frozen (for best quality) for 2-3 months.
How long does boxed chicken broth last in the fridge?
Once opened, boxed chicken broth will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator. You should store it directly in the box. Canned chicken broth will keep for up to four days. Move the broth from the can to a food-safe glass or plastic container with a lid for the best taste and freshness.
How can I tell if chicken broth has gone bad?
Signs of Spoilage: If the broth has an off smell, unusual color, or any signs of mold, it should not be consumed. To minimize the risk of food poisoning from chicken broth, always follow safe food handling practices, cook the broth thoroughly, and store it properly.
How long does chicken broth last in the fridge after opening Reddit?
3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer you should freeze it.