What’s the shelf life of raw chicken in the fridge or freezer?
Food waste and foodborne illness have one thing in common—they’re both avoidable. Yet, sometimes you end up throwing out meat you just bought a few days ago or risking a stomach ache after eating something questionable. While eating bad produce is one thing, poultry is a whole different story.
Instead of wasting food, it’s better to know how to store it properly. So, how long can raw chicken stay in the fridge, and can you freeze raw or cooked chicken to extend its shelf life? Here are some helpful tips for storing and preserving both raw and cooked chicken.
How Long Can Raw Chicken Be Stored in the Fridge?
Raw chicken’s shelf life in the fridge depends on its condition when you purchase it. Because raw chicken spoils quickly, it’s best to cook it within one to two days, even if the expiration date on the package hasn’t passed. According to the USDA’s “Cold Food Storage Chart,” the “best if used by” date is for quality, so don’t wait too long to use it.
If you’ve bought fresh raw chicken, aim to cook it the same day or the next. This rule applies to whole chicken or cuts like breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, as well as raw turkey. After two days, the USDA advises discarding it to avoid any health risks.
When buying raw poultry, look for chicken that feels plump and firm with a bit of spring to it. The flesh should be pink, and the fat should be white or yellow—avoid chicken that looks pale or gray. Check the packaging, too—it shouldn’t be swollen, which indicates air inside, and steer clear of packages near their expiration date. For storage, keep chicken wrapped in a plastic bag or in an airtight container on the bottom shelf of your fridge to prevent any leaks from contaminating other foods.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last?
- The rules for storing cooked chicken are a bit different. If you cooked your raw chicken within the recommended two-day window, the timer resets. Cooked chicken can stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.
- If you're concerned about raw chicken possibly going bad, check its condition. If it doesn’t show any signs of spoilage, like an unpleasant smell, sliminess, or discoloration, it might still be safe to eat or freeze for later.
- To ensure it's safe, cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. If you plan to store leftovers, let the chicken cool down first before refrigerating it to prevent bacterial growth.
You can tell if chicken has gone bad by both its smell and appearance. Spoiled chicken will have a strong, unpleasant odor and may feel slimy. Any color changes, like turning gray or green, are also signs it's no longer safe to eat. When you're unsure, it's always better to discard it.
How Long Can Raw Chicken Be Stored in the Freezer?
- If you're worried about your chicken spoiling before you have a chance to use it, freezing is a great option. Frozen chicken can last much longer than refrigerated chicken, with raw cuts or pieces staying good for about nine months. Just make sure to freeze it within one to two days of bringing it home.
- To preserve its quality, store chicken in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to protect it from air and prevent freezer burn. It’s also helpful to label the package with the freezing date so you can keep track.
- While frozen chicken can last indefinitely, cooked chicken stored in the freezer may lose some of its freshness over time.
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