How to Freeze Cooked Chicken Nuggets and Thaw Them: Complete Guide

Knowing how to freeze cooked chicken nuggets is important for maintaining their taste and quality.

Freeze cooked chicken nuggets by first allowing them to cool. Place them on a baking sheet without touching each other and place into the freezer until frozen. Transfer the frozen nuggets to freezer bags and remove the excess air. Label the bag with the date and store in the freezer up to 3-4 months for the best quality.

This article will examine freezing cooked chicken nuggets step-by-step. We’ll examine cooling, portioning, which containers to use, wrapping, timeframe and labeling. In addition, the 3 best ways to thaw the frozen nuggets.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Keto Tip: Good news! You don’t have to give up your favorite bread, pizza and sandwiches to follow a 100% Keto Diet. Find out here, Keto Breads.

How to Freeze Cooked Chicken Nuggets

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it properly, along with instructions on how to thaw them later. This method works for nuggets that are freshly cooked or leftovers.

Materials Needed:

Cooked chicken nuggets
Baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional)
Freezer-safe airtight container or resealable plastic bags
Label (optional)

1. Cool the Nuggets

Allow the cooked chicken nuggets to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to freezer burn.
According to the FDA, don’t exceed 2 hours at room temperature.

2. Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is optional but helps prevent the nuggets from sticking.

3. Arrange the Nuggets

Place the cooled chicken nuggets in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Ensure they are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together.

4. Flash Freeze

Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This process, known as flash freezing, will allow the nuggets to freeze individually.

5. Transfer to Storage

Once the nuggets are frozen solid, remove the baking sheet from the freezer.
Transfer the nuggets to a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable plastic bags.
If using bags, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

The best way to remove excess air from a plastic bag is to use a vacuum sealer. They are one of those items that make you wonder how you did without one before purchasing it. Amazon has many affordable ones. Check out their current prices here, Vacuum Sealers.

6. Label and Date

Label the container or bag with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer.

7. Store in Freezer

Place the container or bag in the freezer.
Cooked chicken nuggets can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for best quality.

Thawing Cooked Chicken Nuggets

Methods to Thaw:

Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended)

Remove the desired number of chicken nuggets from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator.
Allow them to thaw overnight.
This method is safe and preserves the quality of the nuggets.

Cold Water Thawing

If you need to thaw them more quickly, place the sealed bag of nuggets in a bowl of cold water.
Change the water every 30 minutes until the nuggets are thawed.
This method should take about 1-2 hours.

Microwave Thawing

You can use the microwave to thaw the nuggets, but be cautious as this can partially cook them.
Use the defrost setting and check frequently to avoid overheating.
Once thawed, cook immediately.

Reheating Thawed Chicken Nuggets

Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the thawed nuggets on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Place the nuggets on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated evenly.

By following these steps, you can successfully freeze and thaw cooked chicken nuggets while maintaining their quality. Enjoy your meal!

Frozen chicken nuggets.