Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways like grilled chicken, bar-be-que, and salad as well. It is also a healthy choice for your family’s meals. But, how long does chicken last in the fridge? This question will make you eager to find out how long you can preserve your chicken in the refrigerator and how you can store it for a longer time.
How long does chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken can last for four days in the fridge and three months in the freezer. Foodborne illness is a concern with poultry, so you should always refrigerate chicken as soon as possible after purchase. Raw chicken can last in the fridge for one or two days and four months in the freezer.
Remember you should throw chicken if it is left at room temperature for more than two hours as 40° F and 140° F are critical temperatures for storing meat.
How to store chicken properly?
There are a few ways that you can use to store chicken properly. I will share storing methods for both raw and cooked chicken.
Storing Cooked Chicken:
Follow this method if you want to store the cooked chicken for a longer time.
The best way to store cooked chicken is in an airtight container. You can also use a freezer bag or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.
Storing Raw Chicken:
Here are the recommended ways to store the raw chicken for your convenience. The best way to store raw chicken is in an airtight container, like a freezer bag or Zip-lock. You can also store it in its original packaging, but you must make sure to press all of the air out before sealing. If you are using a container, make sure to label it with the date so you know how long it has been stored.
You can also freeze raw chicken. It will last for four months in the freezer. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in freezer wrap or aluminum foil. And, don’t forget to label it with the date so you know when it was frozen.
How to tell if the chicken is bad?
There are few signs that will indicate that chicken has gone bad. I will share some of the most common symptoms.
If chicken has been stored in the fridge, you will usually see a pinkish-white film on the meat. This is bacteria and it is not safe to eat. The chicken will also have an unpleasant odor and it will be slimy to the touch.
If chicken has been frozen, there might be ice crystals on the meat. The chicken will also have an unpleasant odor and it will be slimy to the touch.
It is important to remember that foodborne illness can cause serious health problems, so you should never eat chicken if you are unsure about its safety.
How to prevent food poisoning?
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent food poisoning.
- Cook chicken thoroughly: Make sure that the chicken is cooked all the way through.
- Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the chicken.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Don’t let the raw chicken come into contact with other foods.
- Store chicken properly: Follow the methods I shared in this article to help keep your chicken fresh for longer.
If you experience any of the symptoms of food poisoning, seek medical attention right away. Foodborne illnesses can be serious and even deadly.
How long does chicken last in the fridge after thawing?
You should not refreeze chicken after it has been thawed. Cooked chicken will last for four days in the fridge after being thawed. Raw chicken will last for one or two days in the fridge after being thawed.
Summary
So these are the facts that you should know about chicken life span. I hope this article was helpful and that you now have a better understanding of how to store and prepare chicken. Thanks for reading!
References
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-long-does-chicken-last-in-the-fridge
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Cooking/comments/o20xq8/how_long_does_raw_chicken_really_last_in_the/
- https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts
- https://food52.com/blog/27125-how-long-does-cooked-chicken-last-in-the-fridge