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How Long Does Chicken Broth Last? [Shelf Life Guide]

Who doesn’t desire a warm chicken broth when sick?

Chicken broths are the perfect blend of savory liquid of vegetables, chicken meat, and water. Yummy! I know.

By now, most Americans would also know them as ‘bone broth’.

The main essential here is to extract the nutrients and the flavors of the meat along with other ingredients. It’s like a refining process of food.

According to Time Magazine there is a hot debate on its actual scientific benefits, but it does not deny the facts that some health experts have advocated for it.

Safe to say, that there may be all that it is to it.

But the question here is- Does chicken broth go bad? And why should we be concerned about it?

Well, the concerns should exist because mainly it is the meat itself that is spoilt.

And most likely, as stated by experts in Healthline, you would probably in a day or two and even immediately have gut, stomach, and digestive related issues.

But that all can be avoided if you know the roundabouts of how long can they be in a good condition and how to spot a chicken broth that has been spoilt.

Does Chicken Broth Go Bad? How Long Does Chicken Broth Last?

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Yes, chicken broths both canned and homemade (although canned ones have more shelf-life when unopened) can go bad once they are opened.

The fat that forms like a seal over the broth once opened keeps it good for about ten days in the refrigerator.

The shelf-life of an unopened canned chicken broth should last for a year, past the best-by-date on the label, and about 6 to 12 months for chicken bullion cubes.

For opened canned chicken broth, the shelf-life lasts for 4 to 5 days, and 5 to 6 days for homemade broths.

Both unopened or opened canned chicken broths as well as homemade broths should be kept in airtight glass containers and be kept in freezers.

Freezing the chicken broths might prolong its quality.

How to Tell If Chicken Broth Is Bad? Chicken Broth Shelf Life!

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Experts describe that the chicken broths should be ultimately clear and yellowish in color with no presence of physical appearance like molds or cloudy chicken fats that gets coagulated over the broth.

The bacteria that contaminates meat produces foul and sour smell in the broth. So, any presence of such smell in the broth is a clear sign of spoiled broth.

The United States Department of Agriculture states that canned chicken broths that have a bulging or a swollen appearance means that the contents inside have likely gone bad.

The cause of this is due to the release of gas by yeast and bacteria that fills the containers which makes it opened or expanded.

If you had properly stored your chicken broth then go ahead and give it a taste.

And should the taste be rancid or unpleasant, discard the broth as it is likely spoiled.

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Does Chicken Broth Go Bad? How Long Does Chicken Broth Last?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken broth
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
  • Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
  • Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
  • If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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