Can You Freeze Chicken Livers?
Not everyone in the house might relish chicken livers. For example, you might be the only one who loves chicken livers while the others prefer chicken breast. Under such circumstances, you might have more chicken liver on your plate than you could consume.
So, is there a way to store chicken livers and have them again after a few days? Maybe, refrigerating them is an option. Or, can you freeze chicken livers and keep them for an extended period?
The second option seems exciting. So, can you freeze chicken livers?
Can You Freeze Chicken Livers?
Yes, you can freeze chicken livers. Shall we see how to freeze chicken livers in this article? Then, read on to learn everything about freezing chicken livers. It might come in handy anytime.
How To Freeze Chicken Livers?
The procedure for freezing livers is the same for almost all animals. However, you should do well to note that livers are delicate pieces of meat. So, it is not advisable to cook it twice and see its flavor deteriorate. Therefore, freezing chicken livers is a smart option. However, we suggest you follow the guidelines specified here to get the best results.
Preparing chicken livers for freezing does not take much time. But, you should keep the ingredients ready. They include paper towels, airtight containers or freezer bags, and adequate space in the freezer compartment.
Here is the procedure for freezing chicken livers.
Step 1 – Drain The Excess Liquids
Chicken livers are incredibly wet, and it is advisable to remove excess moisture before freezing them. Use the paper towels to tap the livers dry for a couple of minutes.
Step 2 – Cut The Liver Into Small Portions
It is a viable option, but it is better to cut the liver into small pieces that you could consume in a single dining session. In addition, it enables you to defrost as much meat as you require.
Step 3 – Pack The Liver Well
The amount of freezer space decides whether you use airtight containers or freezer bags. While containers seem the better option, you can go with freezer bags if you have space issues. Pack your liver pieces neatly into whichever container you choose. We recommend removing excess air from the respective container before sealing them. It helps prevent freezer burn.
Step 4 – Freeze The Chicken Livers
Label the containers and pack them into the freezer. It will not take more than a couple of hours for the chicken livers to freeze solid. Let them remain in the freezer until whenever you need to consume them.
How Long Do The Frozen Chicken Livers Last In The Freezer?
It is better to consume the frozen chicken livers within three months. Though people say they can remain fresh for six months, we do not recommend maintaining them for so long. The longer they stay in the frozen state, the worse they become. In addition, freezing chicken livers for extended periods affects their texture, flavor, and taste.
How Long Do Cooked Livers Remain Frozen In The Freezer?
Both raw and cooked chicken livers do not last more than three to four months in the frozen state in the freezer.
How Long Can You Refrigerate Raw And Cooked Chicken Livers?
Raw livers can stay fresh for two days, whereas cooked livers can last longer, up to four days.
How Long Can You Keep The Raw And Cooked Chicken Livers At Room Temperature?
Both raw and cooked chicken livers last for two hours at room temperature. Hence, it is advisable to discard chicken livers kept at room temperature for more than two hours. They cannot last for more than an hour in summer when the room temperature can be more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Do You Defrost The Chicken Livers?
Defrosting chicken livers should not be an issue. You can follow the time-tested method of natural defrosting in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the required number of pieces of chicken liver that you plan to consume the following day. Please place them in a different container in the fridge. The liver pieces would be ready for cooking after six to eight hours.
If you do not have that much time to spare, you can speed up the defrosting process by submerging the freezer bag or container in a bowl of lukewarm water at room temperature. However, you ensure that the water does not seep into the freezer bag. This defrosting method takes around three to four hours, depending on the number of chicken liver pieces you take out for thawing.
How Do You Use The Frozen And Defrosted Chicken Livers?
Freezing and defrosting chicken livers for short durations does not affect their taste much. So, they are as good as fresh chicken livers. Therefore, you can treat them at par. Depending on your culinary preferences, you can use chicken livers in various recipes.
Is It Possible To Refreeze Chicken Livers?
Technically, you can refreeze chicken livers, but it is not desirable. Chicken liver is delicate meat. It cannot withstand repeated freezing, defrosting, and cooking without losing its texture and flavor. Hence, we recommend dividing the chicken liver into pieces suitable for one-time consumption.
Besides, chicken livers can lose their freshness every time you process them. Therefore, we recommend consuming the chicken livers within one hour of cooking them. Otherwise, they become rancid.
How Do You Determine If The Chicken Liver Has Gone Bad?
Chicken liver left at room temperature for more than two hours can turn rancid. In addition, the presence of bacteria like E Coli makes it dangerous to consume.
- A bad chicken liver emits an offensive ammonia-type smell.
- They can be slimy to touch, even after immersing in cool water.
- It is not recommended to cook rancid chicken liver. The correct option is to discard them.
Compared to the raw liver, cooked chicken livers are more prone to rot.
Are Chicken Livers Healthy To Consume?
Chicken livers are nutritious because they contain proteins, iron, Vitamin B12, and folate. These constituents are beneficial for our eyes and overall energy levels and health.
Does Freezing Chicken Liver Destroy Its Nutrients?
Freezing chicken liver does not destroy its vital nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Compared to chicken breasts, chicken livers are consumed less. However, they are nutritious and have health benefits. So, if you have leftover chicken livers, you can conveniently freeze them for three to four months and consume them at leisure. So, if anyone asks you, ‘Can you freeze chicken livers,’ you know what to reply.
