Trader Joe’s is considered a healthy and convenient place to shop thanks to their wide array of cooked whole foods available in the store. One of the most popular is their Just Chicken, cooked and ready to eat immediately. However, a common question is, can you freeze Trader Joe’s Just Chicken?
You can store Trader Joe’s just chicken in the freezer, and this can be a convenient way to store an excess amount of cooked poultry. If you decide to store your just chicken in the freezer, it will last six months and, in some cases, even longer.
This article will discuss whether or not you can store Trader Joe’s just chicken in the freezer. So keep reading! We have everything you need to know about freezing Trader Joe’s just chicken, and we’ll give you various tips to ensure it stays fresh and tasty.
How to Freeze Trader Joe’s Just Chicken
Trader Joe’s just chicken is a pre-cooked packet of sliced chicken made from simple ingredients such as chicken breast, olive oil, water, and seasoning. It is great as an on-the-go snack but works equally well in salads, sandwiches, and soups.
When storing Trader Joe’s just chicken, most would generally assume the refrigerator is the best place; however, if you wish to increase the longevity of your just chicken, storing it in the freezer is also a great option.
If you decide to store Trader Joe’s just chicken in the freezer, storing it unsealed in its original packaging is the best idea, and this will ensure it last for up to six months in the freezer and sometimes even longer.
Suppose you have already opened your packaging, or you’d like to portion the just chicken into quarters for easy management when the time to thaw comes around.
In that case, we recommend storing the cooked chicken in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic film. Again, your chicken will last for up to six months if stored in individual portions.
Thawing and Reheating Trader Joe’s Frozen Just Chicken
If the time has come to thaw your Trader Joe’s just chicken, the best way to do so is by simply removing your packet or portion from the freezer, placing it on a plate, and thaw in the fridge. Depending on your fridge’s temperature, this can take anywhere from two to four days.
Alternatively, if you’re in more of a rush, you can also defrost the frozen chicken in the microwave.
However, this method should only be employed as a last-case scenario. Generally, when you thaw in the microwave, the chicken doesn’t thaw evenly, and it can even dry out.
Tips for Maintaining the Quality of Frozen Trader Joe’s Just Chicken
When storing any cooked poultry or meat in the freezer, you always risk losing flavor and texture as you begin to thaw it for your meal. There are a few tips that can help you avoid losing more flavor and texture than you have to, and we will list them below.
If you purchase Trader Joe’s just chicken intending to freeze it for convenience, to ensure longevity and freshness, it’s best to place it into the freezer as soon as possible without opening the packet.
If you decide to open the packet and portion it into smaller containers, ensure that you wrap the plastic film around the chicken as tight as possible. This will ensure the chicken holds all of its moisture and shouldn’t dry out when the time comes to thaw it.
Alternatives to Freezing Trader Joe’s Just Chicken
Trader Joe’s just chicken stores equally well in the refrigerator and will last for up to a week in most cases. While this can vary depending on the best-by date of your chicken, most packets of Trader Joe’s just chicken will last for at least four days.
So, if you know you’re going to eat the packet of cooked chicken within this time period, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator, as this will ensure it has the best flavor and texture.
But, if you have bought a surplus and want to enjoy it for a few weeks, freezing it in portions is the best idea.
Other Ways to Use Frozen Trader Joe’s Just Chicken
If you decide to freeze your just chicken, you may be wondering whether or not it can be added straight to dishes, thus, skipping the whole thawing process entirely. With any kind of cooked chicken, including Trader Joe’s, this is possible.
If you decide to make a chicken curry or a similar style dish, you can simply add your frozen chunks of chicken straight to the pot. It will take some time to defrost once placed into the pot; however, it saves you the whole process of thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Trader Joe’s Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Trader Joe’s pre-cooked chicken can be stored in the freezer and will last for four to six months. It’s a convenient way to ensure that your cooked chicken doesn’t go off because you have forgotten about it in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Raw Chicken In the Package?
If you purchase Trader Joe’s just chicken in the package and don’t open it, then it can easily be stored in the freezer. Any kind of cooked chicken can be stored in its original packaging in the freezer for convenience.
Can You Freeze a Whole Chicken From the Grocery Store?
If you have a large family meal coming up and have decided to purchase a whole chicken from the supermarket, you can also freeze it until the cook arrives. A fully cooked chicken will last in the freezer for up to six months.
Final Thoughts
So, now you know that if you purchase Trader Joe’s just chicken and want to store it in the freezer, it can be stored in its original packaging and will last anywhere from four to six months.
Just remember that once opened, the cooked chicken will begin to lose texture and flavor, so it’s best to wrap it in plastic film or store it in an airtight container and freeze it immediately if you want to ensure longevity.
However, if you plan on eating the cooked chicken within a few days, it’s best to simply store it in the refrigerator. It will hold its moisture, flavor, and texture the best when stored in the fridge, even if opened.
