Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
How long does store-bought chicken broth last after opening?
Opened chicken stock is good for 3–4 days cold, 7 days unopened in the fridge, and 2–3 months in the freezer — decant the carton into a jar so you can see what’s left.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry | Package use-by date |
|---|---|
| Fridge | 7 days |
| Fridge, opened | 3–4 days |
| Freezer | 2–3 months |
- Pantry: Bouillon cubes will keep their best quality 1 year. The reconstituted broth lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can it sit out?
Unopened, chicken broth is shelf-stable. Once opened, treat it as perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if chicken broth has gone bad
- A sour, fermented smell where it should read clean and savory
- Mold at the pour spout or under the screw cap
- A hazy broth with specks suspended through it
- A carton that feels tight or bulges at the seams
When in doubt, throw it out.
Bouillon cubes aren’t a like-for-like swap — they run far saltier, so cut the salt in the recipe when you use them.
Quick answers
How long does store-bought chicken broth last after opening?
Opened chicken stock is good for 3–4 days cold, 7 days unopened in the fridge, and 2–3 months in the freezer — decant the carton into a jar so you can see what’s left.
Can you freeze chicken broth?
USDA’s freezer window for chicken broth is 2–3 months.
How long can chicken broth sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened chicken broth — once opened, the FSIS 2-hour rule applies. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).