Technique for freezing bulk chicken breasts

[Andy M.]

Originally Posted by babetoo

that is how i do it. but just wrap and put into bag, label and freeze. works well for my meals for one person.

If you freeze the breasts separately, they will freeze faster than if they are all together in a bag. Faster freezing is better for food quality.

[Zhizara]

Originally Posted by babetoo

that is how i do it. but just wrap and put into bag, label and freeze. works well for my meals for one person.

Me too. I get a 10# bag of chicken legs for $5 or $6. I separate the thighs and package separately, I put drumsticks in a sandwich size bag until it's full. All in dinner size packs.

I once had a roommate who "helpfully" put the entire 10# bag in the freezer. I didn't notice it until I had a 10# block of ice to thaw before I could process it.

I always separate my meats into portion size packages first, that way I don't have to thaw more than I need.

[jengen]

Vac seals are great but always pat dry or the excess water will form ice crystals and make them get frostbite faster.

[CasperImproved]

Originally Posted by Zhizara

Me too. I get a 10# bag of chicken legs for $5 or $6. I separate the thighs and package separately, I put drumsticks in a sandwich size bag until it's full. All in dinner size packs.

I once had a roommate who "helpfully" put the entire 10# bag in the freezer. I didn't notice it until I had a 10# block of ice to thaw before I could process it.

I always separate my meats into portion size packages first, that way I don't have to thaw more than I need.

What Zhizara said... Buy in bulk, separate into what you would cook for a single meal, wrap in plastic wrap.

[violettedawn]

I freeze on a cookie sheet, no plastic, just until1/2 frozen and glazed over. then put directly into a frezzer ziplock bag, seal up all but little hol, and press out air, then seal up all the way. I have never got burn on them this way. and no extra plastic or waiting for defrost to unwrap. nor do they stick together because of pre freeze!

[pacanis]

I do exactly as Andy said. After they are frozen I then put the portions in a vacuum bag and seal them up. I tried it one time without freezing the portions individually first and they froze together in the vacuum bag, but not quite as bad as if they weren't wrapped at all.

Violette, that's how I do whole chicken wings. I never keep them more than a few weeks though.