So you’ve opened a box of chicken broth from the pantry—do you need to use it all ASAP or is there some wiggle room?
Certain kitchen staples are versatile superstars, here to help with many recipes. Boxed chicken broth is one of those hard-working items you can keep on hand for everything from soups and stews to rice and pasta.
This handy supermarket shortcut is shelf-stable as long as you haven’t opened it, but once you unscrew the cap, do you actually need to use it all at once? Here’s everything you need to know about saving an open carton of chicken broth.
Is There a Difference Between Homemade and Boxed Chicken Broth?
The biggest difference between homemade broth and a box of chicken broth is the time it takes to prepare. Homemade broth is made by simmering onions, carrots, and other aromatics with chicken in water. The chicken broth in a box is a kitchen time-saver because it is ready to use as soon as you open it.
The ingredient profile also differs slightly in protein and gelatin content. Boxed broth has virtually no gelatin, so it lacks the depth and viscosity of a homemade version. Homemade broth will naturally thicken as it reduces over heat, while store-bought stock will remain thinner.
What Is in Boxed Chicken Broth?
Look at the ingredient list on a box of chicken broth, and you will find a combination of ingredients not dramatically different from what you’d use to make broth at home. Ingredients such as: chicken, water, salt, natural flavoring, mirepoix (carrots, celery, onions), yeast extract (barley), sugars (dextrose), canola or soybean oil.
How Long Can You Store Boxed Chicken Broth in a Pantry?
You can store chicken broth in a cupboard or pantry for months. Boxed chicken broth is a popular and reliable pantry staple for good reason!
An unopened box of chicken broth lasts up to one year past the printed date. If the unopened box of broth is stored properly — in a dry and cool place — and the marked sell-by date is within the year, your box is safe to use.
How Long Does Boxed Chicken Broth Stay Good in the Fridge?
Once you’ve opened the box of broth, store it in the refrigerator. Make sure you’ve replaced the seal or cap correctly to create an airtight container and keep it fresh for the next use.
An opened box of chicken broth has a limited shelf life when it is considered fresh and ready to use. A box of chicken broth is good for 4 to 5 days (after opening) when stored in the refrigerator. The U.S. Department of Agriculture uses this guideline, and it applies to most brands.
You can store the broth in the same airtight packaging it came in to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge and to keep it as fresh as possible. Just be sure the original box is still in good condition, and there’s no damage or tears from the cooking process.
If you don’t intend to use the opened box of chicken broth within a few days, it’s better to store the leftover broth in the freezer for later use.
An opened container of store-bought chicken broth is much like homemade chicken broth, as it will keep for several days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. You can freeze chicken broth in plastic, resealable zip-top bags (freeze flat for convenient storing) or ice cube trays, and then defrost portions when needed.