Expiration & Storage Tips
When does chicken bones expire?
Uncooked chicken bones can be stored safely in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. If you've cooked the chicken (and eaten the meat off), you can store the bones in the fridge for up to a week to use later for stocks or broths. If you decide to freeze the bones, they can last indefinitely, but are best quality-wise within a year. If you've made stock or broth with the bones, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or up to 6 months in the freezer.
How do you tell if chicken bones is bad?
If the chicken bones smell sour, look slimy, or have any off aroma, they have likely gone bad and it is better not to use them for your broth. Likewise, if any mold or other growth appears on your bones, discard them immediately. If your broth has a sour smell, off flavor, or shows signs of spoilage such as mold growth, it's also time to throw it out.
Tips for storing chicken bones to extend shelf life
• Store cooked chicken bones in air-tight containers or zip-lock bags in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for longer periods, which is especially handy if you don't have time to make broth immediately after a meal.
• If you make broth or stock, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. If you've made a large batch of broth, consider freezing it in smaller portions.
• For frozen bones, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before using them for broth. If you froze your broth, thaw it in the refrigerator or by using the defrost function on your microwave. Always heat it to a boil before consumption.