Raw chicken is only good for two days according to the USDA. Heres what you need to know.
I really like using meat delivery services to get everything I need for dinner brought right to my door. Getting fresh chicken has made figuring out what to cook up on week nights easier, but I dont always eat everything, and often use the leftovers for lunches. However, I know chicken doesnt have a long shelf life, even after cooking. I recently realized that I might have been flirting with food poisoning by eating chicken that started to turn.
This is especially important because summer is almost here, and poultry is a higher-risk meat than beef due to its propensity to develop E. coli and other food-borne illnesses. Thats why you never want to eat bad chicken, and storing it properly is key to avoiding sickness.
The USDA gives chicken just 48 hours to be cooked and consumed after purchase, but that timeframe errs on the safe side and isnt the final word on when bird goes bad.
If you want to know if your chicken is bad or how long it will stay good in the fridge, we can help. Here, we explain how long chicken typically lasts in the fridge and freezer — both cooked and uncooked — and how to know when its time to put that poultry out to pasture.
How Long Does Refrigerated Chicken Last? The Complete Guide
Having leftover chicken in the fridge is great – it means quick meals and easy protein sources for the rest of the week! However, improper storage can lead to potential foodborne illnesses, which is why knowing how long refrigerated chicken lasts is so important. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to safely store chicken in your refrigerator.
The Basics of Chicken Refrigeration
Before getting into specifics, let’s go over some basic chicken storage tips:
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Keep the temperature in your fridge below 40°F. Bacteria grow quickly at temperatures above 40°F, so keeping the fridge cold is important for keeping food safe.
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Use the original packaging – Fresh raw chicken often comes wrapped in plastic wrap or styrofoam trays, Keeping it in this original packaging helps retain moisture and prevents contamination,
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Store chicken on a low shelf – The bottom shelf is coldest, so keeping raw chicken down there helps it stay fresher for longer
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Keep it separate – Store raw chicken separately from cooked meats and produce to avoid cross-contamination.
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Watch the expiration date – This will give you a good benchmark for maximum freshness.
Raw Chicken Refrigerator LifespansThe shelf life of raw chicken depends on a few factors, including the type of cut and packaging method. Here are some general timelines
Chicken breasts, thighs, and the whole chicken take one to two days to arrive. Ground chicken takes the same amount of time.
The more surface area exposed, the shorter the shelf life. Whole chickens last a bit longer since there’s less exposed meat. As long as raw chicken is refrigerated properly, it should stay fresh for 1-2 days beyond the printed expiration date.
Cooked Chicken Refrigerator Lifespans
Since cooking kills any potentially harmful bacteria, cooked chicken lasts longer than raw. Here are the timelines for leftover cooked chicken:
Pieces of Cooked Chicken – 3-4 days
Shredded Cooked Chicken – 3-4 days
Chicken Soup or Stew – 3-4 days
Cooked chicken should be stored in sealed airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. For longer shelf life, consider freezing cooked chicken.
Signs Chicken Has Spoiled
Trust your senses when evaluating if chicken has gone bad. Here are the red flags:
Appearance – Raw chicken is light pink in color. Gray, green or yellow spots indicate spoilage. Cooked chicken will be white, so any discoloration is a sign it should be tossed.
Smell – Raw chicken has a mild odor. A strong, foul smell means spoilage. Cooked chicken should have no odor – any unpleasant smells mean don’t eat it!
Texture – Raw chicken should be moist and firm. Sliminess or stickiness indicates bacterial growth. Cooked chicken should not be mushy or slimy.
When In Doubt, Throw It Out! Don’t risk getting sick.
How to Store Chicken to Keep It Fresh For Longest: The best way to keep chicken fresh for as long as possible is to store it correctly. Follow these tips:
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Immediately refrigerate – Never leave chicken out for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate or freeze right away.
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Use airtight containers – Prevent moisture loss and contamination by using sealed containers or bags.
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Add ice packs – This regulates temperature and prevents spoilage.
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Avoid overcrowding – Too much chicken stacked together prevents cold air circulation.
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Monitor the temperature – Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure it stays under 40°F.
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Freeze for longer storage – Raw chicken lasts 9+ months and cooked chicken 4+ months when frozen properly.
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Label packages – Include the date and type of chicken so you know when it was stored.
With the proper refrigeration methods, you can enjoy fresh delicious chicken for the duration of its safe shelf life! Just remember to monitor for any signs of spoilage and err on the side of caution if in doubt. Following these guidelines provides peace of mind that the chicken you’re serving your family is safe to enjoy.
Safe Chicken Handling and Cooking
In addition to storage, proper handling and cooking are equally important for preventing illness from chicken. Here are some key tips to remember:
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Wash hands and surfaces – After handling raw chicken, wash hands and disinfect any surfaces to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards for raw chicken.
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Defrost safely – Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave – never at room temperature. Cook immediately after microwaving to avoid bacteria growth in warm spots.
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Cook to 165°F – Use a food thermometer to verify chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This kills any potentially harmful bacteria.
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Reheat to 165°F – Just like raw chicken, leftovers should be reheated to 165°F to be safe. Bring soups and stews to a boil before serving.
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Avoid washing raw chicken – Washing can actually spread bacteria to sinks, countertops and other foods. Cooking to proper temperatures removes bacteria.
By following safe storage, handling, and cooking guidelines, you can enjoy refrigerated chicken to the last morsel! Remember to monitor temperatures, watch for signs of spoilage, cook thoroughly, and freeze for longer storage. With the proper techniques, chicken stays fresh, delicious and safe to eat for multiple meals.
How long is cooked chicken good for in the fridge?
Cooked chicken has a far lower likelihood of developing bacteria but it can still make you sick if you wait too long to eat it, even if it has been stored in the fridge. The USDA recommends you eat chicken within four days of cooking it. Like raw chicken, it should also be stored at under 40 degrees F to avoid rapid spoiling.
How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?
The USDA recommends cooking chicken one or two days after you buy it. If that seems conservative and sooner than the sell-by date on the package, thats because it is — but theres a reason for that. The sell-by, use-by or freeze-by date may be as long as a week from when you bought it, but thats just the chicken producers guess as to how long the chicken will be at optimal taste before it starts deteriorating in quality.
As many in this Reddit thread and others assert, you can probably split the difference without serious ramifications, but you should never eat chicken thats been in the fridge for more than three or four days. The reason why chicken isnt necessarily safe to eat until that sell-by date is two-fold:
For one, that date isnt issued by a regulating body, but rather by the brand. While poultry brands do have to consider consumer safety, their chief goal is enticing retailers to buy their product. The longer its “good for,” the better chance theyll have of making a larger sale.
It’s also because meat fridges and coolers in grocery stores are usually colder than fridges in most homes. A normal fridge has to keep meat cold without freezing delicate vegetables and other groceries. Supermarket meat coolers only need to keep meat cold, so they can be at lower resting temperatures. Chicken kept at a colder temperature is naturally going to last longer.
How Long Can I Store Chicken in the Fridge? I MBBCH
FAQ
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Here, we break down how long cooked chicken lasts in the fridge and share tips for using it up. How Long Is Cooked Chicken Good For In the Fridge? According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recommendations, leftover cooked chicken should be refrigerated at 40 F (or less) and used within 3 to 4 days.
Can cooked chicken be refrigerated?
If you’ve prepared too much chicken, don’t worry! Leftover chicken can be refrigerated or frozen for later consumption. Cooked chicken should always be stored in an airtight container. It can typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked chicken within a few days.
How long does cooked chicken last if frozen?
If you’re freezing cooked chicken, you can expect that to last for 2–6 months. Freezing cooked chicken is a great way to reduce food waste. It’s helpful to write down the date the chicken was cooked and frozen when you freeze it.
How long can you keep raw chicken in the fridge?
If you’re using leftover raw chicken, make sure it has been stored properly in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below for no more than 1 to 2 days. When making chicken soup or stock, make sure to reheat the leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
How do you store cooked chicken?
To ensure the safety and freshness of cooked chicken, follow these best practices: Store cooked chicken in a covered, shallow container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Consume cooked chicken within 3 to 4 days of cooking. Use clean utensils and hands when handling cooked chicken.
Can you extend the shelf life of refrigerated chicken?
Yes, you can extend the shelf life of refrigerated chicken by following specific storage techniques. Keeping your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) is crucial. Additionally, store the chicken in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually at the back, to minimize temperature fluctuations.
Is chicken still good after 7 days in the fridge?
The USDA recommends that cooked chicken be consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated. After that, the risk of bacterial growth and potential food poisoning increases. Heat can’t kill the toxins. If you ever need food call 2-1-1. I’m not a doctor but you can call ask your nurse 2-1-1 can help you with that also.
Can you eat refrigerated chicken after 5 days?
The bottom line. Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days.
Can raw chicken stay in the fridge for 5 days?
No, raw chicken should not be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days. According to the USDA, raw chicken should be cooked or frozen within 1-2 days of purchase if stored in the refrigerator.
How to know if chicken has gone bad?
To determine if raw chicken has gone bad, check the color, smell, and texture. Fresh chicken is typically pink, has a mild odor, and is smooth to the touch.