The differences between frozen chicken and fresh chicken

Before we review the differences, it’s useful to understand the importance of freezing and thawing chicken correctly. The fundamental difference between frozen and fresh chicken is that when chicken is frozen rapidly, its temperature is reduced to lower than -18℃ and this can extend its shelf life from 4-12 months, depending on the cut. Fresh chicken, which typically has a shelf life of just 2 days in a refrigerator. When chicken has been frozen commercially, then thawed slowly in the refrigerator at home, all the freshness and original nutrients are retained and firmly locked in for your enjoyment. This isn’t always the case with home frozen chicken.

Storage life

1. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 12 months
   Freezing extends the storage life of chicken. Chicken breasts can be stored for up to 6 months without affecting taste and quality. Chicken cuts such as drumsticks, thighs, wings and legs can be stored for up to 9 months and a whole chicken can be frozen for up to one year.
2. Fresh chicken can only be refrigerated for up to 2 days
   Fresh chicken has a much shorter shelf life. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and must be consumed within the use-by-date. You do of course have the option to freeze it to extend its storage life.

Affordability

1. Frozen chicken can be cheaper
   If you’re shopping on a tight budget the freezer is a great place to start as frozen chicken is often cheaper than fresh chicken because it’s less likely to expire on the supermarket shelf. This makes it a good option for buying in bulk.
2. Fresh chicken is frequently on offer
   However you should also watch out for price reductions and special offers in the refrigerated section, where you can snag a bargain on bulk packs or reduced premium chicken cuts that have reached their use-by-date. This is the perfect time to stock up your freezer.

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Convenience

1. Frozen chicken needs time to thaw safely
   Cooking frozen chicken requires a little forward planning as it needs to be removed from the freezer and left to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Once the chicken is thawed it should be cooked within 24 hours.
2. Fresh chicken is ready to cook immediately
   Fresh chicken offers you choices. It can be purchased and cooked immediately without the inconvenience of waiting for it to defrost. It also offers the flexibility of storing in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freezing at home for up to 12 months (depending on the cut).

Taste and texture

1. Frozen chicken isn’t always as tasty
   Commercially frozen chicken, including that bought at the supermarket will taste almost as good as fresh chicken with little difference in quality. Whole chicken and the fattier brown meat cuts tend to freeze better than chicken breast. White breast meat has a higher water content and if frozen for too long, the texture can alter becoming more rubbery when cooked.
2. Fresh chicken offers the best flavour and texture
   To enjoy the very best flavour and texture, fresh chicken should be cooked and eaten as soon as possible after purchase.

Nutrition

1. Frozen chicken sometimes leaches nutrients
   Commercially frozen chicken is fast frozen at a very cold temperature and this retains all its nutrients. Home freezers don’t get as cold as fast and this slower freezing process can cause ice crystal formation. If this happens, when it thaws some of the chicken's juices may leach out, reducing the nutritional value of the meat.
2. Fresh chicken retains its nutritional value
   Fresh chicken is a rich source of lean protein, iron, vitamins A, B and K, Niacin and Selenium. These nutrients are less likely to be lost if you cook fresh chicken.

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Fresh and frozen chicken have pros and cons

There’s no clear winner between frozen and fresh chicken. If you are planning to cook chicken within the next 2 days it’s usually more convenient to buy fresh as you won’t need to thaw it.

If you’re stocking up your freezer and want to have chicken on hand at home, or you want to take advantage of lower prices, go for pre-frozen chicken and store it in the freezer according to the label.