Can I freeze cooked meat?

jack92

I have quite a lot of chicken and pork left over from today's roast, currently covered and in the fridge. Can I freeze it for use another time? Both meats were frozen when raw, then thoroughly defrosted and cooked this afternoon.

Thanks,
Nicola

Ticklemouse

Yes, you can freeze it.

The rule is that you can freeze once when raw then once after it has been cooked.

squeaky

Yep, no problem.

The basic rule is that foodstuffs can be frozen raw, thoroughly defrosted and cooked, and then, if needed, frozen to store.

You should not refreeze your cooked meat a second time and should always ensure that it is reheated thoroughly - the guidelines I saw said piping hot - over 70° C

HTH

Edit: crossed with TM

Note to self: learn how to type faster.

jack92

... off to pop them in the freezer before I go to bed

Nicola

exlibris

Maybe a bit late for you now but for next time.....

Have you any gravy left? If so freeze the meat covered in gravy and you have a ready made roast dinner in the freezer. Other info on here for freezing roasties etc

Pal

Technically, you can freeze & recook meat as often as you like, as long as you cook it completely to kill any bugs. In practice this would completely destroy the flavour and texture.

Cooked chicken and pork will last a few days in the fridge. Why not just eat it cold with some salad, potatoes, veg etc. Alternatively there are as many leftover recipes as there are actual recipes - soups, chicken and pork pasta, refried chicken & pork sandwiches, meatballs, chicken lasagne, etc etc. Time to get the imagination fired up and have some fun!

loopylass

Hi i need some help my dad cooked a chicken and as he lives on his own his not eaten all of it yet but he had a fall yesterday and his broken his ankle(his in hospital) i saw it in the fridge today but dont want to waste it is it ok for me to slice it and wrap it up and put in the freezer until he comes out

K9cuddles

How long ago was it cooked? and was it chilled all the time? I would be a little wary esp. with chicken if it's been sitting about too long.

elvis_bloggs

Funnily enough I cooked a chicken tonight specifically for freezing, I'm waiting for it to cool sufficiently so I can dissect it then pop it into the fridge ready for freezing tomorrow. If your dads chicken is fresh and cold then freeze it, no probs, when required for consumption then defrost thoroughly and reheat till piping hot. I have eaten it cold after defrost but I don't know if it is recommended.

loopylass

He cooked it monday and when it was cooled down put it in the fridge covered but there is over half a chicken there and its a shame to waste it but i wasnt sure if you could or not i dont want him getting ill over it

Queenie

I would.