In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long will unrefrigerated chicken broth be good” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of chicken broth. Moreover, we are going to discuss different ways to spot spoiled chicken broth.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long will unrefrigerated chicken broth be good?
When kept unrefrigerated, open chicken broth lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, chicken broth left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and chicken broth left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
On the other hand, when it comes to the sealed canned chicken broth, when it is kept unrefrigerated in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat, it lasts for about 1-2 years.
How long can you leave the chicken broth in the fridge?
Chicken broth lasts for about 4-5 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for chicken broth’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep the chicken broth at?
Chicken broth should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your chicken broth at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does chicken broth last in the freezer?
Chicken broth lasts for about 4 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1 to 2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the chicken broth extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth in the chicken broth.
How to defrost frozen chicken broth?
You can quickly defrost frozen chicken broth by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed chicken broth can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days before reheating and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen chicken broth in a bowl of cold water, in the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after reheating it properly.
How to vacuum seal chicken broth?
You may even vacuum seal your chicken broth at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the chicken broth in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal chicken broth at home.
How to find spoiled chicken broth?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your chicken broth has gone bad. To determine if the chicken broth has gone bad, look at its appearance, color, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your chicken broth or if it is discolored, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy chicken broth since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Color
Examining the color of chicken broth might help you identify whether it has rotted or is safe to consume. If the exterior surface of the chicken broth is gray or brown, it should be discarded. This discoloration indicates that it has begun to spoil.
Texture
If you touch the chicken broth and it feels slimy, lumpy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your chicken broth, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting chicken broth with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled chicken broth. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your chicken broth and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
You can read the benefits of different types of meat here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long will unrefrigerated chicken broth be good” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of chicken broth. Moreover, we discussed different ways to spot spoiled chicken broth.