How Long Can Boxed Chicken Broth Keep in the Fridge?

Chicken broth is a versatile food ingredient that you can use for a variety of dishes including stews, soups, rice and even pasta.

Chicken broth is made to be shelf-stable for as long as it remains sealed, but once unscrewed, is it necessary that you use it all at once?

What Is The Difference Between Homemade and Boxed Chicken Broth?

The most significant difference between homemade broth and a box of chicken broth is the time required to prepare them.

Homemade broth requires you to simmer onions, carrots, and other ingredients along with chicken in water.

On the other hand, the chicken broth in a box saves time because it is ready-to-use as soon as it is opened.

What's the Difference Between Stock and Broth?

The ingredient profile is also slightly different when it comes to the protein and gelatin content. Boxed broths don't contain gelatin which means that it lacks the depth and viscosity of a homemade version.

On the other hand, a homemade broth will naturally start to thicken as it reduces over heat, but a store-bought stock will remain a thinner consistency.

How Long Does Boxed Chicken Broth Stay Good in the Fridge?

When you open the box of broth, it should be stored in the refrigerator. In doing that, ensure the seal or cap is replaced correctly, creating an airtight container to keep it fresh for your next use.

A box of chicken broth is considered healthy for consumption for 4-5 days after opening when it is stored in the refrigerator. This is the standard guideline used by the US Department of Agriculture and applies to most brands.

To prevent the broth from absorbing other flavors in the fridge, you can store it in the same airtight packaging it came in. This will keep it fresh for as long as possible.

Just make sure the original box is still in good condition and was not damaged or torn while it was being handled in the cooking process.