How Long Can Chicken Stay in the Fridge? When it comes to food safety, refrigeration is a key factor in preventing the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Knowing how long chicken can stay in the fridge is an important part of keeping you and your family safe.
This article will discuss the time limits for storing chicken in the refrigerator and provide tips for keeping poultry fresh and safe to eat. It will also cover how to tell if chicken has gone bad, as well as other storage solutions for leftovers.
Table of Contents
Overview about Chicken
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed in many dishes. It’s also packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals, making it an important part of a balanced diet. However, chicken is a perishable food item that requires proper storage to ensure its safety and freshness.
How Long Can Chicken Stay in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, raw or cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To ensure maximum freshness and flavor, store your chicken in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap. It’s also important to keep it away from other foods that may have a strong odor, so as not to contaminate them.
When storing cooked chicken leftovers, you have a bit more leeway. Again, make sure your food is sealed tightly and stored properly away from other sources of contamination.
It’s important to note that these time limits are only applicable when chicken is properly stored in the refrigerator. If chicken is left out at room temperature, it will only stay safe to eat for two hours or less.
Tips for Storing Chicken
To get the most out of your chicken and avoid spoilage, there are a few tips to keep in mind when storing it in the fridge:
– Store cooked chicken in a sealed container or plastic bag.
– Cook chicken thoroughly before placing it in the fridge.
– Put raw chicken in a shallow container and place it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. This will help to prevent contamination by raw juices and keep other foods safe from bacteria.
– Divide large portions into smaller, separate containers for faster cooling.
– Freeze chicken that won’t be eaten within two days of purchasing it. This is the best way to ensure maximum freshness and food safety.
When storing chicken in the refrigerator, it’s important to keep it away from other foods with strong odors. This will prevent contamination and ensure that your food stays fresh for longer. Label and date your leftovers to prevent any guesswork when it comes to tracking their shelf life. This will make sure you get the absolute most out of every meal!
Related: Can You Freeze Cooked Chicken
Raw Chicken Storage Tips
When not kept at the correct temperature, bacteria can quickly multiply on raw chicken. To avoid this, it’s important to store your chicken in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the back) and keep it at or below 40°F. If you are purchasing frozen chicken, make sure to defrost it in the fridge and cook it within 24 hours of thawing.
Raw chicken should always be stored in a shallow container or plastic bag and placed on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. This will help to prevent contamination by raw juices and keep other foods safe from bacteria. When freezing raw chicken, place it in a tightly sealed container or plastic bag. Clearly and accurately label the package before you put it in the freezer where it can be kept fresh for up to nine months.
Cooked Chicken Storage Tips
When storing cooked chicken, it’s important to keep it away from raw poultry, as bacteria can transfer easily between the two. For optimum food preservation, refrigerate within two hours for rooms with a temperature below 90°F (or one hour if your kitchen is above this threshold). If cooked chicken is left at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be thrown out as it may have been contaminated by bacteria.
Though you can store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to four days, it’s best to eat it within two days of cooking. To maximize freshness and flavor, divide large portions into smaller individual containers before you store them in the fridge or freezer. This will also help your food cool quickly, an important factor when it comes to food safety.
It is important to always follow safe storage practices when handling chicken, as it can quickly begin to spoil if not kept at the proper temperature. If you are ever unsure how long something has been in your fridge or freezer, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. This will help prevent foodborne illnesses and keep you safe from any dangerous bacteria that may have developed over time.
Refrigerator Storage Times for Chicken
Raw chicken should be stored in the fridge for no longer than two days. Cooked chicken can last up to four days in the refrigerator, as long as it is put away within two hours of being cooked and kept at a temperature of 40°F or below. But, if you plan on eating your chicken within a day or two, it’s best to put it in the freezer. This will help keep it preserved for longer and make sure it tastes its best when you’re ready to enjoy!
Freezer Storage Times for Chicken
If you are freezing raw chicken, make sure to keep it at a temperature below 0°F. Raw chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to nine months. Cooked chicken should be eaten within four months of freezing. To guarantee maximum flavor and freshness, divide your leftovers into portions that will be consumed in one meal. If you want to make them last even longer, wrap them twice with plastic or foil before freezing.
This will help prevent ice crystals from forming and keep your food fresh for up to a year! When it’s time to thaw your frozen chicken, always take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight or a few days before cooking. Never thaw frozen chicken on the counter as this can lead to bacteria growth and potentially make you sick.
No matter how you store or freeze your leftovers, always keep an eye on how long they have been in the fridge or freezer to make sure you are eating them within their recommended storage times. This will help keep you and your family safe from any potential foodborne illnesses.
Packaging/Container Types
As previously mentioned, raw chicken should always be stored in a shallow container or plastic bag and placed on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Utilizing this precautionary measure will fend off contamination by raw juices and safeguard other edibles from harmful bacteria. When freezing raw chicken, place it in a tightly sealed container or plastic bag. Clearly and accurately label the package before you put it in the freezer where it can be kept fresh for up to nine months. This will help keep your chicken safe from bacteria and tasting its best when you’re ready to prepare it. When storing cooked chicken, transfer it into an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating.
Contamination Prevention
To prevent food contamination, always make sure to cook your chicken to the correct internal temperature of 165°F. This will kill any harmful bacteria that may be present and help ensure that your food is safe to eat.
Always take the necessary precautions and make sure to store your chicken separately from other foods that might contain dangerous bacteria. Refrigerators and freezers should be cleaned on a regular basis to remove any food particles or liquids that could contaminate raw food.
When handling raw chicken, be sure to use separate utensils and cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination. Always wash your hands with soap and hot water after handling raw meats and poultry before you touch any other surfaces or foods. Following these safety tips can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness and keep you and your family safe from potential harm.
How Can You Tell if Chicken Has Gone Bad?
It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. If chicken has been stored in the refrigerator for more than two days, you should check it before eating. Here are a few signs that your chicken is no longer safe to consume:
• Odor: If the chicken has a sour or unpleasant smell, discard it immediately.
• Color: Chicken should be a creamy white color. Any discoloration or sliminess is an indication that it has gone bad and should not be consumed.
• Texture: When pushing on the surface of raw chicken, there should very little give or resistance. If the food you’ve handled feels slimy or sticky, it is no longer safe for consumption.
Locate these signs in your chicken and discard immediately if any are present, ensuring that you purchase a new package for consumption. By being aware of how long chicken can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer, how to store and freeze it properly, as well as how to tell if it
Reheating Cooked Chicken
Any leftover cooked chicken should be eaten within three to four days of storing it in the refrigerator, but how long you can reheat chicken depends on how it’s been prepared. If your chicken was cooked in a sauce or gravy, that same dish can usually be reheated and enjoyed.
However, if the chicken had sauces added after cooking, such as store-bought barbecue sauce or teriyaki glaze, you should discard any excess and reheat only the amount that will be consumed. Chicken that hasn’t been cooked fully can also spoil quickly if not stored properly, so make sure to check the internal temperature of your dish before digging in.
Leftovers & Takeout
Leftover takeout or restaurant chicken should be refrigerated promptly and consumed within two to three days. If your leftovers have been out of the refrigerator for more than two hours, it’s best to discard them as they may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Reheat all leftovers thoroughly before consumption, ensuring that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Other Articles:
How Long Can Cooked Chicken Sit Out
How Long To Cook Pork Tenderloin In Oven At 375
How Long To Bake Thin Chicken Breast
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if chicken has gone bad?
A: To be on the safe side, it’s best to inspect chicken that has been kept in the refrigerator for more than two days before consuming. By taking this extra precautionary step, you can eliminate any potential health risks and enjoy your meal with peace of mind.Here are a few signs that your chicken is no longer safe to consume: an unpleasant smell, discoloration or sliminess of the surface, and texture that feels slimy or sticky. If any of these signs are present, discard immediately.
Q: How should I store chicken?
A: To ensure the safety and freshness of your raw chicken, store it in a plate or pan with edges inside your refrigerator. This will help to prevent spillage onto other items in case juices leak out. For optimal quality, use cooked chicken within four days after cooking and discard any remaining raw chicken after two days have passed. If you plan on freezing your chicken, wrap them tightly and use within three months for optimal taste and food safety. Additionally, when reheating cooked chicken ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming. Lastly, never leave leftover takeout or restaurant chicken out for more than two hours before refrigerating or discarding. Reheat all leftovers thoroughly before consumption, ensuring that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Conclusion: Safely Savoring Chicken
Keeping your chicken fresh and safe for consumption is all about storage and preparation. By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and enjoy all of your favorite meals at home with confidence. From how long it can stay in the refrigerator to how to tell if it’s gone bad, you can now confidently answer how long chicken can stay in the fridge. So go ahead and enjoy all of your favorite poultry dishes with peace of mind knowing that they were handled safely.
