Many households regard chicken as a fundamental source of protein. Despite being a healthy and tasty protein option, it carries a high risk of bacterial contamination.
Thus, proper preparation, storage, and cooking of chicken are imperative to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.
While it is convenient to keep chicken in the refrigerator, many people may question the safe duration for its refrigeration.
This article seeks to inform readers about the appropriate storage time for chicken in the fridge.
How long is chicken good in the fridge?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that you can refrigerate raw chicken for approximately 1 to 2 days. This guideline also applies to raw turkey and other types of poultry.
In contrast, you can safely store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Refrigerating chicken helps to inhibit bacterial growth, as bacteria proliferate more slowly at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
Additionally, it is advisable to store raw chicken in a leak-proof container to avoid any leakage of juices that could contaminate other food items.
You should keep cooked chicken in an airtight container.
For those needing to store chicken for an extended period, freezing is the recommended option.
You can freeze raw chicken pieces for up to 9 months, while you can store a whole chicken in the freezer for up to 1 year. Cooked chicken can remain frozen for a duration of 2 to 6 months.
How to tell if chicken has gone bad
If you store chicken in the refrigerator for more than a few days, it may spoil.
Here are several indicators that the chicken in your refrigerator may have gone bad:
- It has exceeded the “best by” date: Both raw and cooked chicken that surpasses its “best if used by/before” date is at a higher risk of spoilage.
- Color changes: Chicken that begins to exhibit a gray-green hue, whether raw or cooked, is no longer safe to consume. The presence of gray-to-green mold spots is a sign of bacterial growth.
- Smell: Spoiled chicken, whether raw or cooked, often produces an acidic odor reminiscent of ammonia. This smell may be challenging to detect if the sauces, herbs, or spices have marinated the chicken.
- Texture: Chicken that feels slimy is an indication of spoilage. Rinsing the chicken does not eliminate bacteria; in fact, it may facilitate the spread of bacteria to other foods, utensils, and surfaces, leading to cross-contamination.
Risks of eating spoiled chicken
Consuming spoiled chicken poses a significant risk of foodborne illness, commonly referred to as food poisoning.
Chicken is particularly susceptible to contamination by harmful bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella.
While proper cooking of fresh chicken typically eradicates these bacteria, it is crucial to refrain from cooking and consuming spoiled chicken.
Although reheating or cooking may eliminate surface bacteria, it does not neutralize certain toxins produced by these bacteria, which can still result in food poisoning if ingested.
The symptoms of food poisoning can be quite severe and may include a high fever (exceeding 101.5°F or 38.6°C), chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and dehydration.
In extreme cases, food poisoning can necessitate hospitalization and may even be fatal.
If you doubt the freshness of your chicken, avoid consuming it and dispose of it to ensure safety.
The bottom line
You can refrigerate fresh, uncooked chicken for 1 to 2 days, while cooked chicken can last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
To identify whether chicken has deteriorated, it is important to check the “best if used by” date and to look for signs of spoilage, such as changes in smell, texture, and color.
Avoid consuming spoiled chicken, as it can cause food poisoning, even when cooked properly.
