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Can You Freeze Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Whether you picked up an extra bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) for later or just didn’t finish your meal, you may be wondering if you can freeze KFC to enjoy later. The good news is that you can freeze KFC or any store-bought fried chicken safely at home. With the right storage methods, you can keep that finger-lickin’ flavor for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Can You Freeze Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) to enjoy later. Freezing is a great way to save money and avoid food waste with leftovers. The key to properly freezing KFC or any fried food is preventing the crisp, seasoned breading from becoming soggy. Allow the fried chicken to cool completely after purchase or cooking before freezing.

Place chicken pieces in a single layer on a sheet pan and refrigerate until cooled, about 2 hours. This prevents excess moisture from accumulating and making the crust soggy. Next, wrap KFC tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil or place in freezer-safe airtight bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This protects against freezer burn which can cause dryness. For extra protection, you can double wrap using foil or plastic wrap then a freezer bag.

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Freeze chicken immediately at 0°F or colder. Use the coldest section of your freezer for best quality. Frozen properly, leftover KFC can last 2-3 months before quality deteriorates. Only thaw and refreeze once for food safety.

When ready to eat, for best results bake frozen KFC pieces in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. This helps revive the crispy coating. You can also quickly fry frozen chicken in a bit of oil to re-crisp the skin. Avoid microwaving frozen fried chicken which often makes it soggy.

With the proper freezing and storage methods, leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken can taste deliciously close to fresh for weeks after purchasing. Freezing allows you to enjoy your favorite finger-lickin’ flavors while avoiding waste and saving a trip to the store.

Preventing Soggy Breading When Freezing

When freezing any type of fried food, the key is minimizing moisture loss and preventing the breading from getting soggy. Here are some tips for freezing KFC or leftover fried chicken from the grocery store:

• • Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing. Freezing it immediately can lead to condensation which makes the breading wet.
  • Use aluminum foil or airtight plastic freezer bags. Press out as much air as possible and seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Optionally, you can double wrap the chicken. Use foil or plastic wrap first, then place it inside a freezer bag. This gives extra protection.

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Storing KFC Properly for Maximum Freshness

• • The optimal freezer temperature is 0°F or below. Use the coldest section of your freezer for best quality.
  • Only reheat what you plan to eat soon. Don’t repeatedly thaw and refreeze chicken.
  • For reheating, bake frozen chicken in the oven or give it a quick fry in oil to recrisp the skin.
  • Microwaving can make it soggy.

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With the right prep and storage, you can enjoy frozen KFC for weeks after purchasing. Freezing is great for saving money and avoiding waste. Now you know how to freeze store bought fried chicken or leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken properly.

FAQs
Can I put KFC chicken in the freezer?

Yes, you can freeze KFC or any other fried chicken safely. Allow it to cool fully first, then store in airtight packaging in a 0°F freezer. With proper freezing methods, the taste and texture will stay close to fresh.

How long does fried chicken last in the freezer?

Properly stored fried chicken will last 2-3 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. Double wrap chicken for max freezer life. Be sure to label packages with the freeze date.

Can you freeze store bought fried chicken?

Yes, you can definitely freeze store-bought fried chicken to enjoy later. Freezing is a great way to save leftover fried chicken from the grocery store or restaurant so you can enjoy the crispy flavor when you want it.

 

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