How do I solve this chicken problem

[Pattothecatto]

I was in a rush when I last went shopping and didn’t have time to portion up my chicken properly (I buy in bulk)

I have 2.5 kilos of chicken in one packet, frozen solid- between two reservoirs in the packet

can I cut the frozen packet with scissors in the middle then wrap 1/2 with cling film? Then pop that bit back in the freezer?

just want to make sure I get a few meals out of the chicken without it going to waste. It’s a lot to use up and I don’t really know how long I have to use it once it defrosts

I would cut half as you say. Then use the other half in one go to batch cook something and then you can freeze portions of the cooked meal.

I think once defrosted you are meant to use raw meat within 24 hours.

You could try splitting it when frozen, I’ve done that before. Is it fillets ? They might be separated enough to split .

if not I would defrost and cook you can freeze when cooked. I did this with some fillets and then defrosted the cooked pieces and used as needed in stir fry’s curry etc if anyone noticed they didn’t say 😂

Yes, you can cut it up. Wrap it back up, no bother.

I wouldn't have thought the 24 hrs thing is true, especially with stuff you've brought fresh and frozen the day if purchase. Surely if it is fresh and lasts 5 days from today without freezing, it would last 4-5 days after defrosting on the first day.

I'd actually cook it all and then Freese the cooked meals.

"...can I cut the frozen packet with scissors in the middle then wrap 1/2 with cling film? Then pop that bit back in the freezer?"

Yes, no problem at all.

What I've done in a similar position before is to just bash the frozen lump of chicken breasts against my worktop until one chicken breast gets broken off from the rest and then return the others to the freezer.

Freeze - I can spell.

Clingfilm does not cling very well in the freezer.

So as well as cf, I'd either overwrap in foil, or put in a ziplock bag in addition.