How Long Does Chicken Broth Last?
Opened chicken broth lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and 2–3 months in the freezer. Unopened cartons keep about 1 year in the pantry and cans 2–5 years.
Chicken Broth — opened
shelf life- Unopened, carton: 1 year in the pantry
- Unopened, can: 2–5 years in the pantry
- Homemade: 3–4 days in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Chicken broth and stock are sold in cans and aseptic cartons that are shelf-stable until opened, or made at home from bones and scraps. Broth is a near-perfect growth medium for bacteria: low in acid and salt, full of protein and mostly water. That is why an opened carton has only a few days in the fridge, whatever its printed date says.
How to store chicken broth
- Write the opening date on the carton with a marker. It is very easy to lose track, and broth gives little warning before it turns.
- Freeze leftover broth in ice cube trays or muffin tins, then bag the blocks, so you can grab a few tablespoons for a pan sauce or a cup for rice.
- Cool homemade broth fast: strain it into shallow containers or set the pot in an ice bath, and refrigerate it within 2 hours.
- Leave an inch of headspace in jars or containers before freezing, because broth expands and will crack a full glass jar.
- Bring refrigerated or thawed broth to a boil before using it in a dish that will not be cooked further.
How to tell if chicken broth has gone bad
- A sour, off or sulfur smell as soon as you open the carton.
- Cloudiness, slimy strands or sediment that was not there before in a normally clear store-bought broth.
- A carton that is puffed or bloated, or a can that bulges, leaks or spurts. Discard without tasting.
- Mold spots floating on the surface or around the pour spout.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Chicken Broth shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opened | 3–4 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
| Unopened, carton | Not recommended | Not recommended | 1 year |
| Go by the best-by date on the carton. | |||
| Unopened, can | Not recommended | Not recommended | 2–5 years |
| Homemade | 3–4 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
How long does chicken broth last in the fridge after opening?
Opened chicken broth lasts 3–4 days in the fridge, which is USDA's guidance for broth and gravy. Some cartons print longer times, but the shorter window is the cautious choice. Pathogens do not change the smell, so broth that has been open for a week should be discarded even if it seems fine.
Is chicken broth still good after the best-by date?
Unopened, usually yes. Shelf-stable cartons and cans are sterile inside, and the date reflects flavor quality, so an intact, unpuffed package is generally safe for months past it. The date says nothing about broth that has already been opened; that follows the 3–4 day rule.
Can you freeze chicken broth?
Yes. Chicken broth freezes very well for 2–3 months at best quality and remains safe longer at 0°F (−18°C). Freeze it out of the carton, in containers with headspace or in ice cube trays. Thaw it in the fridge or melt it directly in the pot.
Why did my homemade chicken broth turn to jelly?
That is a good sign, not spoilage. Collagen from the bones and skin dissolves into gelatin during simmering, and it sets when the broth is chilled. It turns liquid again as soon as it is heated. The layer of fat on top is normal too and can be lifted off.
Is chicken broth left out overnight safe if I boil it again?
No. Broth left out longer than 2 hours should be discarded. Boiling kills most bacteria, but some, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, leave behind toxins that survive boiling and can still make you sick.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soup Homemade |
3–4 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
| Canned Soup Unopened |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 2–5 years |
| Gravy Homemade |
3–4 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
| Whole Chicken Raw |
1–2 days | 1 year | Not safe |
| Rotisserie Chicken Cooked |
3–4 days | 2–4 months | Not safe |
| Cooked Chicken Cooked |
3–4 days | 2–4 months | Not safe |
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.