The Chicken Freezing Rule You've Been Breaking This Whole Time

That package of Hot Pockets in the corner that's been giving you the evil eye, the sad remaining set of Eggo waffles, and the forgotten box of freezer-burned sausage patties are all taking up residence in your freezer. When it comes to the ice box, it can seem like the food in it will last forever, but most foods do have a shelf life, even the frozen ones. FoodSafety.gov provides a chart with recommendations on how long to store food in a freezer.

As one of the most commonly frozen foods, chicken is listed throughout the aforementioned food storage chart. The notion of freezing chicken raises a number of questions among consumers about the "rules." How long can I store it in the freezer? Does it matter how I store it? How can I expect the chicken to taste if it's been frozen for too long? All great questions. The answers may surprise you, and you might discover that you've been breaking a rule or two.

One of the biggest factors to consider when it comes to freezing chicken is time. How long can chicken stay frozen? Of course, anything can stay frozen forever with the right temperature, but when it comes to food like chicken, you should have an expiration month in mind. According to FoodSafety.gov, a whole chicken can be frozen for up to a year before its quality begins to decline. Chicken pieces, however, can last only up to nine months.

Another thing to consider when freezing chicken is the storage method. Many of the frozen chicken items you buy at the store are already appropriately packaged for freezer storage. If you're freezing fresh chicken, it's best to vacuum-seal it or use freezer bags, according to Claudia Sidoti, the head chef of Hello Fresh (via Eat This, Not That!). These methods help prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

Sidoti also recommends a tip for determining how long chicken has been in the freezer. Simply write the "frozen on" date on the packaging or on an adhesive label with a Sharpie. You can also make your own expiration date by adding nine or 12 months to the freeze date and writing that date on the packaging. So remember, as long as they are properly sealed, you can store a whole chicken in the freezer for up to a year, while chopped chicken stores for up to nine months.