How to Cook and Store Chicken: 3 Simple Freezer Prep Tips

October 8, 2025

Learn how to cook and store chicken with three easy methods for meal prep — freezing raw, cooked, or grilled chicken. Includes tips on how to store cooked chicken and how to store meat in freezer safely for fresh, ready-to-eat meals anytime.

Meal planning can often be a challenge, especially when it comes to having protein-rich options on hand. If you’re wondering how to cook and store chicken for easy access throughout the week, freezing chicken in advance is a great way to streamline meal prep and reduce time spent cooking on busy days.

Whether you're stocking up on bulk chicken or just looking for ways to make your meals easier, freezing chicken is a smart move that can save time, reduce stress, and keep you on track with healthy eating.

In this article, we’ll explore three of the best ways to prepare and freeze chicken: 1) Freezing raw chicken breasts in bags, 2) Cutting up and cooking chicken before freezing it, and 3) Grilling chicken and then freezing it.

We’ll also dive into the most common questions about how to store cooked chicken, as well as tips and tricks for successfully freezing meat. By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to get started on your chicken prep for the week.

If you’re ready to stock up on chicken now, head over to the Food and Meat Co-op chicken section to place your order today.

1. Freeze Raw Chicken Breasts in Bags

One of the easiest ways to prepare chicken for freezing is to simply freeze raw chicken breasts in bags. This method is ideal for those who want a quick way to store chicken for future use without much pre-cooking. Freezing raw chicken breasts in individual portions also makes it easier to grab exactly what you need for a meal without having to defrost more than necessary.

How to do it:

Portion the chicken: Start by portioning your raw chicken breasts into meal-sized servings. You can do this based on the number of people in your household or the types of dishes you typically prepare.
Package the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in resealable freezer bags. If you want to make sure they stay extra fresh, you can double-bag them or use vacuum-seal bags, which will help prevent freezer burn. Don’t forget to squeeze out excess air from the bags to maximize the freshness.
Label and freeze: Label each bag with the date and portion size for easy tracking. You can also note the recipe or meal idea if you want. Then, place the bags flat in your freezer to freeze them. Freezing the chicken flat will allow it to freeze faster and take up less space in your freezer.

Benefits of freezing raw chicken breasts:

Quick thawing: Thawing chicken breasts individually or in smaller portions can be quicker than trying to thaw a large batch of cooked chicken.
Flexible for different recipes: Raw chicken breasts can be used in a variety of recipes once thawed, from grilling to stir-fries, soups, or casseroles.

For additional insights on how to buy chicken in bulk, check out this article about comparing different bulk chicken breast options on the Food and Meat Co-op: Comparing 3 Bulk Chicken Breasts Options: Value, Premium, or Convenience and also How to Use 40 lbs of Chicken Breast in Bulk and Restock Every Three Months.

how to cook and store cooked and shredded chicken

2. Cut Up and Cook the Chicken, Then Freeze It

For those who prefer to do a bit of prep work before freezing, cutting up raw chicken, cooking it, and then freezing it is a great option. This method is perfect for those who want to skip the cooking step later in the week and have ready-to-use chicken on hand. Whether you’re baking, boiling, or pan-frying, cooking chicken before freezing can make meal preparation that much easier.

How to do it:

Cut the chicken: Start by cutting the raw chicken breasts into your preferred size and shape (strips, cubes, or chunks).
Cook the chicken: Choose your cooking method based on what you plan to use the chicken for. You can bake, pan-fry, or even boil the chicken until fully cooked. You can add seasonings or marinades at this stage to add flavor.
Cool the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to cool down completely before freezing. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the bags, which could lead to freezer burn.
Freeze the chicken: Place the cooked chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove excess air to ensure that the chicken stays as fresh as possible. Again, labeling each bag with the date is important.

Benefits of cooking before freezing:

Time-saving: By cooking the chicken ahead of time, you eliminate a step during your weekly meal prep. This means when it’s time to make dinner, you only need to reheat and add it to your dish.
Ready for any recipe: The pre-cooked chicken can be used in salads, tacos, casseroles, sandwiches, or pasta dishes—making it versatile for a wide range of meals.

To get tips on bulk meat purchases and what to consider when buying in bulk, take a look at this article: The Ultimate Guide: How to Make a Bulk Meat Purchase.

3. Grill Chicken, Then Freeze It

Grilling chicken before freezing it is an excellent way to prepare flavorful and ready-to-go meat. Grilled chicken can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to wraps, or served with vegetables for a quick, healthy meal.

How to do it:

Season the chicken: Season your chicken breasts with your favorite marinade, dry rub, or simple salt and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Grill the chicken: Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Grill marks and slight charring will give the chicken great flavor, which will carry over when you freeze it.
Cool and freeze: After grilling, let the chicken cool completely before packaging it. You can either freeze the chicken breasts whole or slice them into strips for easier portioning when you use them later.

Benefits of grilling before freezing:

Great flavor: Grilling imparts a smoky flavor to the chicken that will be retained even after freezing.
Perfect for meal prepping: Grilled chicken can be used in sandwiches, salads, or served as a main protein. It’s an easy addition to a variety of dishes, making it a great choice for meal prep.

For more tips on how to store meat in the freezer, take a look at this article about freezer space: How Much Freezer Space Do You Need Per Pound of Meat.

Additional Freezing Tips for Chicken

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when freezing chicken:

Freezing chicken for optimal freshness: Make sure to freeze chicken as soon as possible after purchasing it to retain its best flavor and texture. If you’re freezing pre-cooked chicken, consume it within 3-4 months for the best quality.
Proper defrosting: The safest way to defrost frozen chicken is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a pinch, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting or place the chicken in a sealed bag and run cold water over it.
Avoid freezing chicken more than once: Once chicken has been thawed, it should not be refrozen unless it has been cooked. Refreezing can affect the texture and taste of the meat.

Tips for Storing Cooked Chicken in the Fridge

When it comes to storing cooked chicken in fridge, proper handling makes all the difference in maintaining flavor and food safety. Always allow chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or resealable bag.

Keep it on the middle shelf of the refrigerator, away from raw meats, to prevent cross-contamination. Cooked chicken will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you don’t plan to eat it within that time, transfer it to the freezer for longer storage.

Labeling containers with the date helps you keep track of freshness and avoid waste. When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving to ensure it’s safe to eat.

See What a 40 lb Box of Chicken Breasts Looks Like

If you’re thinking about buying chicken in bulk to prep and freeze, check out what the 40 lb box of chicken breasts from the Food and Meat Co-op looks like in this video. It’s a great way to see the quality, size, and packaging before you order—and it’ll give you a better idea of how to portion and store your chicken efficiently for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions That People Ask:

How long can you store chicken in the freezer?
Chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 9 months for optimal taste and texture. Raw chicken breasts should be used within 6 months, while cooked chicken can last a little longer.

How do you store cooked chicken?
Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags and make sure to label them with the date of freezing.

Can I freeze chicken in its original packaging?
It's generally best to transfer chicken from its original packaging to a freezer-safe bag or container. The original packaging may not protect the chicken from freezer burn.

How do you store cooked chicken?

To store cooked chicken safely, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Store it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken in portioned bags or containers. Properly stored cooked chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days or up to 3–4 months in the freezer.

How long can you keep raw chicken in the fridge?

Raw chicken can be safely kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Keep it in its original packaging or place it in a leakproof container on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods. If you don’t plan to cook it within that time frame, it’s best to freeze it right away to maintain freshness.

Does cooked chicken need to be refrigerated?

Yes, cooked chicken must be refrigerated to prevent bacteria from growing. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking (or within one hour if the room temperature is above 90°F). Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags to keep it moist and prevent contamination.

How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?

Cooked chicken lasts for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in a sealed container. After that, the risk of spoilage increases. If you know you won’t eat it within that time, freeze it instead for up to 3–4 months without losing quality.

What happens if you don’t store chicken properly?

If chicken isn’t stored properly, harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter can grow, leading to foodborne illness. Improper storage can also cause freezer burn, spoilage, or a sour odor. Always refrigerate or freeze chicken promptly and follow safe handling practices to maintain quality and safety.

How long can you eat cooked chicken after cooking?

You can safely eat cooked chicken up to 3 to 4 days after cooking if it has been properly stored in the fridge. If frozen right after cooking, it can be enjoyed for up to 4 months. Always check for signs of spoilage—such as an off smell, slimy texture, or discoloration—before eating leftovers.

By incorporating these three easy methods—freezing raw chicken breasts, cooking and freezing the chicken, or grilling and freezing it—you’ll be well on your way to having delicious, convenient meals ready whenever you need them.

Whether you’re stocking your freezer with bulk chicken or just preparing meals in advance, these strategies will help save time and make meal planning a breeze. For more ideas and tips, be sure to explore the linked articles for in-depth guides and additional freezing advice!