According to the Cold Food Storage Chart from FoodSafety.gov, frozen chicken is typically good for 9 months to 1 year when stored properly at 0°F (-18°C) or below. The exact duration depends on whether the chicken is whole or in pieces.
For safe storage and best quality, it's crucial to maintain a consistent freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Freezing food at this temperature inactivates microbes like bacteria, yeasts, and molds, although it does not destroy them. Once the food is thawed, these microbes can become active again.
Here is a summary of the recommended freezer storage times for frozen chicken based on the FoodSafety.gov chart:
Frozen Chicken Storage Times
| Food Type | Freezer [0°F (-18°C) or below] |
|---|---|
| Chicken or turkey, whole | 1 year |
| Chicken or turkey, pieces | 9 months |
Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure the frozen chicken retains its quality and remains safe to eat. While food kept constantly frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below is safe indefinitely from a microbiological standpoint, quality decreases over time. The recommended storage times are for best quality.
