How Long Does Chicken Bone Broth Last in the Fridge?

But this depends on a lot of things that we need to talk about in this article. Bone broth can stay in the fridge for three to ten days.

If youre new to it, bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse thats fantastic for your skin health, digestion and joint pain.

This article will tell you how long it stays good in the fridge based on the type and how it was made. It will also give you tips to extend the freshness how to freeze it and how to use it for best results.

I should mention before we begin that my company: Bluebird Provisions, makes the highest quality and best tasting bone broth powder youll find anywhere. If youre searching for something new that is convenient, give it a try.

Chicken bone broth has become hugely popular in recent years due to its many health benefits. As a nutrient-dense food it can improve digestion boost immunity, promote joint health, and more.

But to get these benefits, you need to store and use chicken bone broth the right way. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how long chicken bone broth stays fresh in the fridge, including how to make it last longer.

The Shelf Life of Chicken Bone Broth in the Fridge

Chicken bone broth, whether you make it yourself or buy it, will last for 5 to 7 days in the fridge. This time frame takes into account both safety concerns and keeping the best quality and flavor.

Here are some key factors that determine the fridge life of chicken bone broth:

Ingredients: The perishability of ingredients like vegetables and herbs shortens shelf life. Simple broths with fewer add-ins may last slightly longer.
Packaging: Broth from the store that comes in Tetra Pak cartons or vacuum-sealed packaging may last a little longer than broth you make yourself and store in containers.
Temperature: Broth that is kept in the fridge at a steady 40°F or lower will last longer than broth that is kept at higher.
Preparation: Properly cooling and handling homemade broth helps maximize shelf life compared to haphazard cooling methods.
Freshness: Newly prepared or opened broth has a longer fridge life than one that’s been open for several days already.

While 5-7 days is a safe estimate for fridge life, always rely on your senses too. If broth smells, tastes or looks off, toss it regardless of age.

Signs Your Chicken Bone Broth Has Spoiled

Watch for these common signs of spoiled chicken bone broth:

Change in color: A dull, darker color or grayish hue indicates spoilage bacteria are present.
Cloudiness: Broth may look hazy, instead of clear or slightly opaque when fresh.
Slimy texture: Fresh broth should not have a slippery, slimy mouthfeel.
Mold: Any fuzz, film or spots of mold means the broth must be discarded.
Off odors: Foul, sour, rancid or rotten smells mean the broth has turned.
Strange taste: An unpleasant, bitter, vinegary or acidic taste is a red flag.

When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When it smells bad, it is bad!”

Tips for Storing Chicken Bone Broth in the Fridge

Follow these tips to help chicken bone broth last as long as possible:

Use small containers: Divide into smaller portions to limit air exposure each time you open the container.
Keep tightly sealed: An airtight lid or seal prevents oxygen from speeding spoilage.
Cool promptly: Quickly chill broth within 2 hours after cooking.
Freeze for longer storage: Frozen broth stays good for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Monitor fridge temp: Ensure your fridge is consistently 40°F or below.
Clean utensils: Use clean utensils every time you scoop out broth to avoid contamination.

Proper storage stops bacteria growth, retains nutrients, and keeps your chicken bone broth deliciously fresh.

Freezing Chicken Bone Broth for Extended Use

Freezing is the best way to extend the shelf life of homemade or store-bought chicken bone broth. Here are some freezing tips:

Cool broth completely before freezing for food safety.
Use freezer-safe airtight containers or bags, allowing headspace for expansion.
Portion into meal sizes based on recipe needs like soups or sauces.
Label bags or containers with broth type and freeze date for easy identification later.
Freeze broth flat for efficient storage and quicker thawing.
For quickest thawing, transfer frozen broth to the fridge 8-12 hours before needed.

Properly frozen chicken bone broth retains its quality for 2-3 months in the freezer.

Thawing Frozen Chicken Bone Broth Safely

Always thaw chicken bone broth safely using one of these methods:

Refrigerator: Thaw overnight in the fridge for slow, safe thawing.
Cold water: Submerge sealed bag or container in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
Microwave: Thaw in microwave using defrost setting then reheat to 165°F.
Stovetop: Gently reheat frozen broth on the stovetop until simmering.

Do not thaw chicken bone broth at room temperature or re-freeze once thawed. Bring all broth to a full boil before consuming.

Enjoying Chicken Bone Broth Before It Spoils

Here are delicious ways to use up chicken bone broth within a week:

Sip as a hot, soothing drink
Use in place of water for cooking rice, quinoa or oatmeal
Make quick chicken noodle soup with veggies
Add to sauces, gravies, soups and stews
Use as the base for brothy bean dishes like minestrone
Simmer beans, lentils or greens in seasoned broth
Drink chilled broth on hot days with lime

With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can safely reap the most from your nourishing homemade or store-bought chicken bone broth. Follow these tips to determine when it’s time to toss out your treasured broth and make a new batch.

how long does chicken bone broth last in fridge

How To Extend The Shelf Life of Homemade Bone Broth

A hot fill technique naturally extends the shelf life because it reduces the time your liquid is in critical temperature zones for bacteria to form.

The goal is the minimize the time it is between 160 F (72 C) and 39 F (4 C) or at room temperature. You can do this by doing a hot fill, followed by immediately placing your containers in the freezer.

Once you strain the bone broth (from bones, cartilage, etc). Bring it back to over 190 F (90 C) on the stove or in the slow cooker.
Now you immediately pour it into your containers. Glass containers are recommended or other temperature safe materials. Avoid plastic as the hot broth will leach into it. Be careful not to burn your hands.
As soon as possible, put the containers in the freezer to get them as cold as 39F, which is fridge temperature. And then, put them in the fridge.

What texture should bone broth be?

Home made bone broth should have a “jello like” consistency with a solid layer of fat goodness on top.

Store bought bone stock should be jelly when at fridge temperature. That’s how you can tell if it’s real bone broth or a fake one that was labeled as such.

Because good bone broths have a jello-like texture, you can be sure that they contain natural gelatin and collagen from animal cartilage.

A real bone broth will be full jello at fridge temperature. To get a gel, you need at least 7 g protein per 250 ml serving. Anything less and it will not.

If the store-bought kind says it has more protein but doesn’t gel, you’re not getting enough protein and the company is lying on the nutrition label.

It will turn back to liquid when reheated, but needs refrigeration in order to stay fresh.

How Long Does Bone Broth Last In The Fridge #foodstorage

FAQ

Does chicken bone broth go bad in the fridge?

Chicken broth can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and frozen (for best quality) for 2-3 months.

Is chicken broth ok after 10 days?

Chicken broth that has been opened has a short time during which it is still fresh and ready to use. A box of chicken broth is good for 4-5 days (after opening) when stored in the refrigerator. This is the guideline used by the US Department of Agriculture and applies to most brands.

How to tell when chicken bone broth is bad?

The texture shouldn’t be slimy either. If there’s a layer of fat on the broth’s surface, that’s okay, but if you see any mold, the broth is spoiled.

How long is too long for bone broth?

Cooking it for 12 hours produces a deeply flavorful and excellent result, but it’s not uncommon to let the bone broth cook for 24 or even 36 hours—at which …Nov 18, 2024.

How long does bone broth last in the fridge?

If you follow a typical recipe, then bone broth will last around 5 days in the fridge and up to 12 months if stored in the freezer. But there are some things you can do to make the best-before date last up to 24 months in the freezer and 7-8 days in the fridge. 1. Hot Fill or Pour.

How do you extend the shelf life of bone broth?

There are a few ways to extend the shelf life of your bone broth. One is to freeze it in individual portions so that you can thaw and use only what you need. Another way is to add some acidity, like lemon juice or vinegar. This will help the broth last longer. So enjoy your bone broth while it lasts.

Does homemade bone broth go bad?

Bone broth is a food that can go bad in the fridge. So make sure you pay attention to best buy dates and storage instructions if you have a store-bought product. For homemade, I will lay out specific recommendations based on the differences in storage and how you make it. How long does homemade bone broth last in fridge?

Can You refreeze bone broth after opening?

You can refreeze bone broth after opening, but it is not recommended and you must be careful when doing this. Think of the shelf life as a clock. If you open it, the clock starts and you have 5-6 days at fridge temperature. Freezing it stops this clock temporarily, but you will not get the same 5-6 day when you thaw it.

Should broth be refrigerated?

Cooling: Allow broth to cool completely before refrigerating to avoid raising the temperature of other foods in the fridge. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients can also make a difference. Spoiled or low-quality bones and vegetables can introduce bacteria, causing your broth to spoil more quickly.

How do you store leftover bone broth?

Label your containers with the date of preparation. This is a simple but effective way to keep track of how long the broth has been stored and ensures that you consume it while it’s still safe. For added convenience, consider pouring leftover bone broth into ice cube trays and freezing them.