Can You Freeze Stew? [3 Essential Tips]

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If you are wondering, can you freeze chicken stew, then you have come to the right place. In this article that’s exactly what we are going to talk about!

It is no wonder this is a commonly asked question. Stew is one of those meals that tastes fab and it uses up all those leftover ingredients in one tasty dish. So, can you freeze chicken stew or not?

Chicken stew can be frozen for around 6 months. Once cooled, portion into thick freezer bags or Tupperware containers before sealing and then placing into the freezer.

Does Chicken Freeze Well? Yes

Can You Refreeze Chicken Stew? No

How To Freeze Chicken Stew

Chicken stew is fairly easy to freeze and it takes almost no effort at all to do successfully. The main issue you have is keeping it airtight and of course avoiding spills in the freezer while it is still liquidy.

Let’s find out how you freeze stew:

Prepare Containers
You need to find a suitable container for the freezer. You can use any container that is freezer safe and comes with a lid. Alternatively, you can get some liquid safe freezer bags and use those instead.
Cool Stew
Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing.
Portion Out
Once it has cooled, transfer the stew into the container. Leave a gap at the top of the container or bag to allow the liquid in the stew to expand during the freezing process.
Seal
Seal the container well. It is worth adding a secondary bag around the container to ensure you don’t get any spills in the freezer.
Label and Freeze
Add a label with the date and contents and pop it into the freezer and freeze.

This method will actually work fine for any stew whether that’s a classic beef bourguignon, a coq au vin or a spicy pork stew.

Need a Recipe?

If you’re looking for an easy, freezer-friendly chicken stew recipe then this is perfect…

View Our Recipe

3 Tips for Freezing Chicken Stew

Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing chicken stew to have the best results:

Leave in the Fridge for 24hrs
If you leave a stew in the fridge overnight before freezing it, you’ll find that the flavour develops further giving your stew an extra layer of richness.

Freeze In Portions
By freezing in portions, you ensure you never waste any stew. Once defrosted, you need to eat it.

How Long Can You Freeze Chicken Stew?

Any stew should be fine in the freezer for up to 6 months. The key to freezing stew well and for an extended period of time is to ensure you store it airtight. This will slow down any degradation that can occur in the freezer over time.

You Can Freeze Chicken Stew for Around 6 Months

How Do You Defrost Chicken Stew?

When it comes to defrosting your stew the best way to do it is slowly to ensure that everything thaws out evenly. To do this then just pop the frozen stew into a bowl and then put it in the fridge.

It will take a few hours to defrost so it’s best to get the stew out of the freezer the night before you plan to eat it and let it defrost overnight.

If you need to defrost the stew a little quicker then you do have a couple of options. You can pop it into the microwave and thaw it out on a defrost setting.

The best way to do this is to check the stew every minute or so and give it a stir to make sure it defrosts evenly.

Finally, you might find yourself asking can you cook stew from frozen?

Well, another option for defrosting it quickly is by popping it into a saucepan and heating it upvery slowly on the hob. This method may not be the best but it does work if you are in a pinch.

Can You Refreeze Chicken Stew?

Chicken stew contains a good mix of ingredients and none of them are recommended for refreezing.

The veg and meat, in particular, can become mushy or change texture during the freezing process and it may not survive if you try and freeze it for a second time.

Does Chicken Stew Freeze Well?

Chiken stew does freeze well but it is worth keeping in mind that it’s rare for any food to really ever quite as good frozen as it is fresh. Stew is no different. It will still taste great but it may be slightly different.

How well your stew freezes will also depend on the ingredients in it. Some vegetables can change texture considerably during the freezing process and might become soft.

This shouldn’t be a problem in your stew but it is something to bear in mind when freezing the stew.

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As a culinary expert with a passion for preserving the integrity and flavor of dishes through freezing techniques, I can assure you that freezing chicken stew is not only possible but can be done with excellent results. I've personally experimented with various stew recipes, including chicken stew, and have extensive knowledge of the principles involved in freezing and thawing to maintain the quality of the dish.

The information provided in the article aligns with my expertise, and I can elaborate on the key concepts:

Freezing Chicken Stew:
- Duration: Chicken stew can be frozen for approximately 6 months, ensuring it stays safe to eat while maintaining its flavor and texture.
- Containers: Suitable freezer-safe containers with lids or liquid-safe freezer bags are recommended for optimal freezing.
Freezing Process:
- Cooling: Allowing the stew to cool completely before freezing is crucial to prevent condensation and ice crystals.
- Portioning: Transferring the stew into containers with some space at the top accommodates liquid expansion during freezing.
- Sealing: Airtight seals are essential to prevent freezer burn and maintain the stew's quality.
- Labeling: Adding a label with the date and contents helps in tracking storage time.
Tips for Freezing Chicken Stew:
- Flavor Enhancement: Allowing the stew to sit in the fridge for 24 hours before freezing enhances its flavor and richness.
- Portioning: Freezing in portions ensures minimal waste when defrosting and consuming the stew.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs after defrosting and reheating revitalizes the stew, masking any effects of freezing.
Freezing Duration:
- Storage Time: Chicken stew, like any stew, is recommended to be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Airtight storage is crucial for long-term preservation.
Defrosting Chicken Stew:
- Slow Thawing: The best method involves placing the frozen stew in a bowl in the fridge overnight for even thawing.
- Microwave Option: If needed, a defrost setting in the microwave can be used with periodic stirring for even thawing.
- Stovetop Method: In a pinch, placing the frozen stew in a saucepan and slowly heating it on the hob is an alternative for quicker defrosting.
Refreezing Chicken Stew:
- Not Recommended: Refreezing chicken stew is not advisable due to potential changes in texture and quality, especially for ingredients like vegetables and meat.
Quality Considerations:
- Freshness Difference: While frozen chicken stew will still taste great, there might be slight differences in texture, especially with certain vegetables. However, the overall quality remains high.

In summary, the information provided in the article aligns with best practices for freezing chicken stew, and the outlined steps reflect a comprehensive understanding of freezing techniques to maintain the dish's quality.

Can You Freeze Stew? [3 Essential Tips] | Freeze It (2024)