Knowing how long chicken broth lasts is essential for food safety and meal planning. Whether the broth is homemade, boxed, canned, or bone broth, its shelf life depends on how it is stored and whether it has been opened. Improper storage can lead to spoilage and foodborne illness. In this guide, we explain how long chicken broth lasts in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature, how to tell if it has gone bad, and the best practices to store it safely.
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Broth: What It Is, Types of Broth, and How to Make It
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Broth Powder: What It Is, Uses, Benefits & How to Choose the Best Type
How Long Does Chicken Broth Last?
Chicken broth is a perishable liquid, and its shelf life depends on storage temperature, whether it’s opened, and whether it’s homemade or store-bought.
How long does chicken broth last in the fridge?
Once opened or cooked, chicken broth typically lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container at or below 4°C (40°F). This applies to both homemade and store-bought broth after opening.
How long does chicken broth last in the freezer?
Chicken broth keeps its best quality for about 2–3 months in the freezer. While it may remain safe beyond that if kept continuously frozen, flavor and freshness gradually decline.
How long does chicken broth last at room temperature?
Chicken broth should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. In warm conditions (above 32°C or 90°F), the safe window is 1 hour. After that, bacteria can grow rapidly.
How long does chicken broth last overnight?
Chicken broth left out overnight at room temperature is not safe to consume and should be discarded, even if it was reheated afterward.
Chicken Broth Shelf Life by Type
Different types of chicken broth have similar safety timelines, with small differences before opening.
Homemade chicken broth shelf life
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Fridge: 3–4 days
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Freezer: 2–3 months (best quality)
Homemade broth spoils faster because it contains no preservatives.
Store-bought chicken broth shelf life
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Unopened: Safe until the printed best-by date when stored properly
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Opened: 3–4 days in the fridge
Always refrigerate promptly after opening.
Boxed chicken broth shelf life (opened vs unopened)
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Unopened (shelf-stable): Months to years, until best-by date
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Opened: 3–4 days refrigerated
Once opened, boxed broth behaves like fresh broth.
Canned chicken broth shelf life (opened vs unopened)
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Unopened: Safe for long-term storage until best-by date
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Opened: Transfer to an airtight container and use within 3–4 days
Do not store opened broth in the can.
Chicken bone broth shelf life (opened vs unopened)
Bone broth follows the same safety rules as regular chicken broth:
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Unopened: Until best-by date
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Opened: 3–4 days refrigerated
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Frozen: 2–3 months for best quality
How to Tell If Chicken Broth Has Gone Bad
When in doubt, it’s safest to discard broth that shows spoilage signs.
What does bad chicken broth smell like?
Spoiled chicken broth often smells sour, rotten, or unpleasantly strong. Any off or unusual odor is a clear warning sign.
What does spoiled chicken broth look like (cloudiness, mold, bubbles)
Signs include:
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Mold growth on the surface
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Unnatural cloudiness
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Bubbles or fizzing unrelated to boiling
Any visible mold means the broth should be thrown away.
Texture changes in spoiled chicken broth (slimy or thickened liquid)
If the broth feels slimy, sticky, or unusually thick, it has likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
Off taste warning signs (why tasting is risky)
Tasting spoiled broth is not recommended. Even a small sip can expose you to harmful bacteria. Smell and visual checks are safer indicators.
Chicken broth expiration date vs spoilage (use-by vs best-by)
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Best-by date: Indicates peak quality, not safety
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Use-by date: Stronger guidance for safety
Broth can spoil before or after the printed date depending on storage. Always rely on storage time and spoilage signs, not the date alone.
Safe Storage Tips to Make Chicken Broth Last Longer
Proper handling and storage can help chicken broth stay fresh for as long as safely possible.
Cool chicken broth quickly before refrigerating
After cooking, chicken broth should be cooled promptly to limit bacterial growth. Transfer hot broth into shallow containers or an ice bath to bring the temperature down quickly before placing it in the refrigerator.
Store chicken broth at the right fridge temperature (why it matters)
Refrigerators should be set to 4°C (40°F) or below. At this temperature, bacterial growth slows significantly, helping broth remain safe for the recommended storage window.
Use clean utensils and avoid double-dipping
Always pour broth into another container rather than dipping used utensils directly into storage containers. Cross-contamination introduces bacteria that can shorten shelf life.
Labeling and dating broth (opened date and freeze date)
Label containers with:
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The date the broth was opened or cooked
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The date it was frozen, if applicable
This makes it easier to track safe usage times and avoid guesswork.
Portioning broth to reduce repeated warming
Divide broth into smaller portions before refrigerating or freezing. This prevents repeatedly reheating the entire batch, which can accelerate spoilage.
Can You Use Chicken Broth After the Expiration Date?
Expiration labels can be confusing. Understanding them helps you decide when broth is still safe.
Best-by date vs use-by date for chicken broth
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Best-by date: Indicates quality, not safety. Flavor may decline after this date.
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Use-by date: Suggests a stricter safety guideline and should be followed more closely.
Unopened broth past date (when it may be ok and when not)
Unopened, shelf-stable broth stored properly may still be usable shortly after the best-by date if:
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The packaging is intact
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There is no swelling, leaking, or off odor
If the container is damaged or smells unusual when opened, discard it.
Opened broth past date (why timing matters more than the printed date)
Once opened, the printed date becomes less important than how long the broth has been refrigerated. Opened broth should be used within 3–4 days, regardless of the date on the package.
When to throw chicken broth away (safe decision rules)
Discard chicken broth if:
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It has been left out at room temperature too long
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It smells sour or unpleasant
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You see mold, bubbling, or slimy texture
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You are unsure how long it has been stored
When in doubt, throw it out to avoid foodborne illness.
FAQs How Long Does Homemade Chicken Broth Last in the Fridge?
How long does chicken broth last in the fridge after opening?
3–4 days when stored in an airtight container at or below 4°C (40°F).
How long does homemade chicken broth last in the fridge?
3–4 days, since it contains no preservatives.
Can you freeze chicken broth?
Yes. Chicken broth freezes well.
How long does chicken broth last in the freezer?
2–3 months for best quality; it may remain safe longer if continuously frozen.
Can chicken broth be left out overnight?
No. Broth left out overnight at room temperature should be discarded.
How do you know if chicken broth is bad?
Signs include sour or off smell, mold, cloudiness, bubbling, or slimy texture.
Can you boil spoiled chicken broth to make it safe?
No. Boiling does not make spoiled broth safe to consume.
Does chicken stock last longer than chicken broth?
No. Once opened or cooked, both last about the same time in the fridge.
How long does chicken broth last after thawing?
Use within 3–4 days if thawed in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Chicken broth is a versatile kitchen staple, but it is also highly perishable once opened or cooked. In most cases, chicken broth lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator and 2–3 months in the freezer for best quality. Leaving broth at room temperature for too long or ignoring spoilage signs can make it unsafe to consume. By following proper storage methods, labeling dates, and discarding broth when in doubt, you can reduce waste while keeping your meals safe.
