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Pantry Staples
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Pantry Staples

How long does chicken broth (opened) last?

Opened carton or can.

Quick answer
Pantry (room temp)
2 years
Unopened, sealed
Freezer (0°F / -18°C)
4 months
Freeze in ice cube trays for portions
After opening
5 days
4-5 days refrigerated
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Chicken Broth (opened) shelf life chart

All times are best-quality guidelines based on USDA FoodKeeper and FDA storage data. Actual shelf life depends on temperature stability, packaging, and how the food was handled.

StorageTime
Pantry / room temp2 years
After opening5 days
Freezer (0°F / -18°C)4 months

Can you freeze chicken broth (opened)?

Yes — chicken broth (opened) freezes well for up to 4 months at 0°F (-18°C). Freeze in ice cube trays for portions

Tips for freezing:

  • Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags — squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label and date everything. Frozen food all looks the same after a few weeks.
  • Freeze in portion sizes you'll actually use — refreezing thawed food is generally not recommended.
  • Thaw in the fridge overnight, never on the counter — bacterial growth restarts above 40°F.

What to do if…

What if my chicken broth (opened) is past the printed date?
"Best by," "sell by," and "use by" dates are quality indicators, not safety deadlines. Chicken Broth (opened) is often still safe past the printed date if stored properly and showing none of the spoilage signs above. Use your senses — sight, smell, texture — and the storage times listed in this guide.
What if it smells weird but looks fine?
Trust your nose. Smell is one of the most reliable indicators of spoilage — your nose evolved specifically to detect dangerous food. If chicken broth (opened) has any sour, ammonia-like, sulfur, or "off" smell beyond its normal aroma, discard it. Visible mold or texture changes confirm the warning.
Is chicken broth (opened) still safe after the recommended freezer time?
Frozen foods stay technically safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°F) — bacteria can't multiply at freezing temperatures. The recommended 4 months is for **best quality**: after that, you'll notice freezer burn, texture changes, and flavor loss, but the food is still safe to eat if continuously frozen.

Can expired chicken broth (opened) make you sick?

Yes — but the printed date isn't the trigger. Foodborne illness comes from bacterial growth (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus) or fungal toxins, which depend on storage temperature and time, not the calendar date on the package.

Symptoms of food poisoning typically appear within 6–48 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Severe cases — especially in young children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people — warrant medical attention. The safest practice: when in doubt, throw it out.

Frequently asked questions

How long does chicken broth (opened) last in the fridge?
Chicken Broth (opened) is not typically refrigerated — see other storage options above.
How long does chicken broth (opened) last after opening?
5 days after opening. 4-5 days refrigerated
How can I tell if chicken broth (opened) has gone bad?
Look for: Cloudy past normal; Sour smell; Mold (especially around cap).
Can I eat chicken broth (opened) past the "best by" date?
"Best by" is a quality date, not a safety date. As long as chicken broth (opened) has been stored properly and shows no spoilage signs, it's usually safe to eat — but quality may have declined. Use your senses to judge.

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Signs chicken broth (opened) has gone bad

  • •Cloudy past normal
  • •Sour smell
  • •Mold (especially around cap)

Storage tips

  • ✓Freeze in 1-cup portions
  • ✓Transfer from can to glass after opening
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Sources & review
Compiled by the BestByDates editorial team. Last reviewed: January 2025. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.