How Long Does Raw Chicken Last In The Fridge Reddit?
Figuring out how long raw chicken lasts in the fridge is an important kitchen skill. Chicken tends to spoil quickly and no one wants to deal with the aftermath of eating bad poultry. So what’s the definitive answer on how long raw chicken lasts in the fridge? Redditors have lots of opinions on the matter. Here’s a comprehensive look at what Reddit has to say about how long you can keep raw chicken in the refrigerator.
The Most Common Response: 1-2 Days
The most common response on Reddit is that raw chicken will last 1-2 days in the fridge. For example Reddit user @ChickenMaster267 said “I go by the one to two day rule. Anything longer seems iffy.” This 1-2 day timeframe falls in line with recommendations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA advises using or freezing raw chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing it.
Many Redditors based their answers on the USDA’s guidelines. For example, @FridgeMaster said, “The USDA says chicken only lasts 1-2 days in the fridge, so I never keep it longer than that.”
The general rule is between one and two days, but some Redditors have reported successfully keeping raw chicken for longer. Most, though, say to play it safe and use chicken within the USDA’s 1-2 day window.
How To Know If Chicken Has Gone Bad
When determining if raw chicken is still safe after 1-2 days in the fridge, Redditors emphasize the importance of using your senses.
It’s easy to tell when chicken has gone bad—just look, smell, and touch it. If it looks slimy or smells funky, toss it!”.
Here are the signs of spoiled raw chicken according to Reddit:
- Slimy texture
- Sticky mucus-like substance on the meat
- Grayish color instead of pink or white
- Dull, pale color rather than vibrant and fresh
- Strong foul odor
- Sour smell instead of mild odor when raw
Redditors all agree that it’s not worth the risk if your chicken has any of those traits. Toss it and stay safe!.
Storing Raw Chicken Properly Helps Extend Fridge Life
Redditors point out that how you store raw chicken can impact how long it lasts. Here are some storage tips from Reddit for keeping chicken fresh longer:
- Store chicken on the bottom shelf of the fridge, where temperatures are coldest.
- Place chicken in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.
- Don’t let raw chicken juices drip onto other food. This can lead to cross-contamination.
- Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn if freezing.
- Label chicken with the date when you stored it. This makes it easier to track freshness.
As @FridgeMaster said, “If you store chicken properly in the first place, it’ll last longer. But I still wouldn’t keep it past 2 days.” Proper storage gives you a bit more wiggle room with your chicken, but don’t push it beyond the recommended 1-2 days.
Can You Freeze Raw Chicken?
Freezing is a great option if you won’t be able to use your raw chicken within 1-2 days. Redditors agree that frozen raw chicken lasts significantly longer than refrigerated poultry.
According to @FreezerGuru, “Raw chicken that is properly frozen at 0°F and wrapped tightly should last for 9-12 months. Just make sure you label it so you know when you froze it.”
Other Reddit users chime in:
“I always freeze my raw chicken if I’m not planning to cook it within the next 2 days. It stays fresh for so much longer.” – @FridgeToFreezer
“Freezing raw chicken nearly pause’s time. It will last soooo long frozen compared to in the fridge.” – @FrozenChickenFan
The consensus is clear: freeze raw chicken for long term storage. It remains safe and prevents waste. Just make sure to thaw it safely in the fridge before use.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Once chicken is cooked, new storage timelines apply. According to Redditors, here’s how long cooked chicken lasts in the fridge:
- Whole cooked chicken: 3-4 days
- Cooked chicken pieces/slices: 3-4 days
- Shredded cooked chicken: 2-3 days
- Chicken soup broth: 3-5 days
@LeftoverPro shares this tip: “I find separating chicken into smaller containers helps it last longer. But you should eat it within 4 days.”
In the freezer, cooked chicken can last 4-6 months according to Redditors. Make sure to reheat cooked chicken to 165°F until steaming hot.
Trust Your Senses Over Expiration Dates
Chicken packages are stamped with a sell by date or use by date. But most Redditors caution against relying on these dates, especially if your chicken has been in the fridge awhile.
@ChickenMom12 says “I go by look and smell over the date. They put those dates on but if it’s bad before then you can still get sick.”
@MeatMan021 concurs: “The expiration date doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe, just potentially less tasty. Check the smell and appearance.”
The consensus is dates can provide a helpful guideline, but your eyes, nose and fingers should make the final call. Don’t eat chicken that looks or smells funky no matter what the package says. Safety first!
Other Food Safety Tips From Reddit
In addition to advice on fridge and freezer times, Redditors also share these general food safety tips when handling raw chicken:
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken. Be diligent to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw chicken and other foods.
- Store raw chicken sealed and on bottom shelf of fridge so juices don’t drip onto other foods.
- Marinate chicken in fridge, not on counter. Discard used marinade instead of reusing.
- Don’t rinse raw chicken. It can spread bacteria to sink and counters.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when cooking.
Follow these tips from Reddit to handle, prepare and cook chicken safely.
The Takeaway on Chicken Fridge Life
So what’s the final verdict on how long raw chicken lasts in the fridge according to the wisdom of Reddit? Here are the key takeaways:
- 1-2 days is the standard recommended fridge life for raw chicken.
- Freezing extends the shelf life significantly to 9-12 months.
- Rely on your senses – if chicken looks or smells bad, throw it out.
- Proper storage can help chicken last a bit longer.
- Cooked chicken lasts 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Monitor expiry dates but assess chicken’s appearance and odor too.
- Follow other food safety best practices when handling raw chicken.
While Reddit can provide helpful insights, it’s also important to consult food safety experts like the USDA when looking for guidance on fridge times for chicken and other meats. By following sound food handling advice, you can feel confident you’re safely enjoying chicken without worries about foodborne illness. Trust your senses, adhere to food safety guidelines, and determine what chicken fridge life works for your household.
How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?
FAQ
How long does raw chicken last?
I’ve always been really cautious with raw chicken. When I buy it, I try to use it by the next day at the latest. When googling, most sites say that raw chicken will keep from 1-2 days in the fridge. But I noticed that a lot of the packages have “sell by [a date 2 weeks from now]” on them.
How long can you keep chicken in the fridge?
When chicken is kept in the refrigerator: It remains safe for about 1 to 2 days after purchase. After this, it is advisable to cook or freeze the chicken to avoid spoilage. Most grocery stores follow the USDA guidelines, which suggest that fresh raw chicken should be stored at or below 40°F (4°C).
How long does raw chicken last in the freezer?
When properly stored in the freezer, raw chicken can maintain its best quality for about 9 months to 1 year. Freezing halts bacterial growth and preserves the chicken, making it a great option for health-conscious shoppers who want to plan their meals over time.
Can You refrigerate raw chicken?
Be sure to refrigerate chicken within 2 hours of purchase to prevent bacterial growth. Amidor advises storing raw chicken in a plastic bag or container in the lower part of the refrigerator so it doesn’t risk dripping onto other items. “Avoid storing raw chicken above ready-to-eat-food, like produce, in case it does leak,” she says.
How long does cooked chicken last?
Cooked and raw chicken can be stored from a few days up to a year. The amount of time that it lasts can vary depending on whether it’s frozen or refrigerated. Chicken is considered a staple meat in many households. However, this healthy and delicious source of protein has a high risk of bacterial contamination.
How long after buying raw chicken can you eat it?
If after purchasing your raw chicken, you immediately stored it in your refrigerator, then use its “sell-by” date as your gauge to start the clock on how much time you have before your meat goes bad. According to the USDA, “Fresh chicken, turkey, ground meat, and ground poultry should be cooked or frozen within 1 to 2 days of purchase. ”.
Is raw chicken ok in the fridge for 5 days?
No, raw chicken is generally not safe to eat after being refrigerated for 5 days. The USDA recommends refrigerating raw chicken for only 1-2 days.
Is raw chicken ok in the fridge for 3 days reddit?
It’s probably fine if the package hasn’t been opened, has been kept cold, and is 4 days old, but that’s longer than what the USDA recommends (which is being safe). They recommend only 1 to 2 days.
Is chicken good after 4 days in the fridge?
Is 3 days too long for raw chicken?
Key Takeaways: Fridge Storage: Raw chicken can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. Raw chicken pieces can be frozen for up to 9 months, and whole chickens can be frozen for up to 1 year.