Chickens can last in the fridge for 2-3 days and in the freezer for 2-6 months. (Both raw and cooked chicken!) However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to maximize the shelf life of your chicken.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how long chicken lasts in the fridge and freezer, as well as some tips on storing it properly. Read on to learn more!
How long does fresh chicken last in the fridge?
How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?
There’s no need to put it in the freezer if you’re going to prepare it right away. Storing raw chicken (a whole chicken or raw chicken pieces) for 2–3 days in the refrigerator is fine.
Chicken can remain fresh for up to four days if properly stored (more on that later).
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken can last up to 5 to 6 days in the refrigerator (once again, if stored correctly).
If cooked chicken is not stored properly, it should be eaten within four days.
How long does chicken last in the freezer?
Chicken can be frozen for 5 to 6 months. Ensuring that cooked chicken has not been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours before storing it in the freezer.
It only takes a couple of hours for germs to proliferate in your leftovers if they are kept out of the refrigerator too long.
How to Freeze Chicken for Later Use?
If you don’t think you’ll be able to cook it in time, or if your chicken has already been cooked, freeze it at any moment before the ‘use-by’ date on the package is expired.
Before placing your chicken in the freezer, wrap it well in freezer bags, freeze wrap or cling film, or place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and the cold air from drying your chicken out.
Storing chicken in the fridge?
How to store raw chicken in the fridge?
On the bottom shelf of your fridge, store raw chicken in its original packaging or in an airtight container.
Make sure your chicken’s packaging is well-sealed or that your food container is airtight and away from other foods and cooked meats.
It’s best to keep your refrigerator at 0-5°C. This keeps your chicken fresher for longer and all of the food in your fridge.
How to store cooked chicken in the fridge?
Allow the chicken to cool for two hours after cooking, Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store your chicken in an airtight container.
Place the chicken on the top shelf of your refrigerator. If your cooked chicken is wrapped in plastic foil, keep it away from raw meat.
How to thaw frozen chicken?
Thawing frozen chicken can be done simply by removing the chicken from the freezer and placing it in the refrigerator (make sure you take the chicken out of the freezer for at least 10 hours before cooking or using it).
Place your frozen chicken in a leak-proof container or plastic bag and immerse it in cold tap water to thaw it faster, allow the water to run so there’s movement in your cold water.
How to tell if chicken has gone bad?
Make sure you’re avoiding eating rotten chicken to prevent foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning. Check out these three-pointers below to avoid tainted chicken:
- Look for discoloring:
Looking at it and paying attention to the color of the meat is one of the simplest methods to tell if raw chicken has gone bad. When chicken meat is ready to eat, it should be pale pink and have clear white fat sections.
If the meat appears gray and fatty sections have yellow spots, this is a bad sign. This color implies that the chicken is unfit to eat, so we should get rid of it right away.
- Smell your chicken:
Another method to determine if an uncooked chicken has spoiled is to pay attention to how it smells. It’s fairly typical for a chicken to go bad after a few days. If you notice any unusual odors or a sour smell, your chicken is most likely gone bad.
- The airtight sealed package is starting to blow up:
When your store-bought chicken in a sealed package begins to deflate, you should consider tossing it out.
The bacterial growth in the chicken begins to proliferate and raise the air, which causes your package to start showing a little bump.
- Check the expiration date:
Consider the expiration date before purchasing chicken. A “pack date” and a “best if used by” date is always visible on a package of chicken.
The first is intended for manufacturers and vendors rather than customers, and it refers to the date the chicken was packed.
Instead, the “use by” (expiration) date is the one you should look at. This is the day on which the manufacturer suggests you consume the chicken in order to get the best quality possible.
- Don’t forget to check the texture:
Fresh raw chicken has a somewhat glossy, soft texture. It should not have a sticky, tacky, or slimy texture. If your hands have a slimy residue after touching raw chicken, it’s an indication that it has gone bad.
It’s important to note that cooked chicken is more firm and dry than raw chicken. If you detect any texture changes, such as softness, sliminess, it’s time to toss it out.
How long should you leave chicken out of the fridge?
How long should you leave cooked chicken out of the fridge: Chicken should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. Cooked food at room temperature is in the USDA’s “Danger Zone,” which ranges from 40°F to 140°F.
How long should you leave raw chicken out of the fridge: According to the USDA, raw chicken can be left out at room temperature for up to two hours or 60 minutes if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve covered everything you need to know about how long chicken lasts in the fridge and freezer as well as some tips on storing it properly. If you follow these guidelines, your raw or cooked chicken will last a little longer before going bad!
These handy tips should help you keep food safety at bay by preventing spoiled foods from making their way into your home. As always if have any questions please feel free to contact us for more information. Our goal is to provide you with high-quality content that helps ensure all of your food stays fresh and safe!
