Chicken is a versatile and popular protein enjoyed in countless meals around the world. Whether you’re planning a week’s worth of lunches or simply storing leftovers, knowing how to safely store chicken in your refrigerator is crucial for food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. Understanding how long chicken can last in the fridge is essential to ensure you and your family are eating safely.
Raw Chicken: Refrigerator Storage Times
Storing raw chicken properly starts from the moment you bring it home from the grocery store. It’s important to refrigerate raw chicken promptly to inhibit bacterial growth. Here’s a guide on how long different types of raw chicken can safely stay in your refrigerator:
- Whole Chicken: A whole raw chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.
- Chicken Pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks): Individual pieces of raw chicken are also best used within 1 to 2 days in the fridge.
- Ground Chicken: Ground chicken has a shorter shelf life due to increased surface area for bacteria to grow. It should be used within 1 to 2 days when refrigerated.
It is critical to store raw chicken in a way that prevents its juices from contaminating other foods in your refrigerator. Keep raw chicken in its original packaging or place it in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. This placement prevents drips onto other foods, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Signs of Spoiled Raw Chicken
Even within the recommended timeframe, raw chicken can spoil. Be vigilant for these signs of spoilage:
- Smell: Spoiled raw chicken will have a distinctly foul or sour odor. This “off” smell is a primary indicator that the chicken is no longer safe to eat.
- Texture: Fresh raw chicken should be moist and somewhat firm. If the chicken feels slimy or sticky to the touch, it may be starting to spoil.
- Color: Raw chicken is typically pinkish in color. A grayish color change can indicate spoilage. While slight color variations can occur, significant graying is a warning sign.
If you notice any of these signs, discard the raw chicken immediately. When in doubt, it is always safer to throw it out.
Cooked Chicken: Refrigerator Storage Times
Cooked chicken, like raw chicken, needs to be refrigerated promptly to maintain safety and quality. After cooking chicken, allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating, but don’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C).
Here’s how long cooked chicken can safely be stored in the refrigerator:
- Cooked Chicken (whole or pieces): Cooked chicken, whether it’s a whole roasted chicken or individual pieces, can be safely refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.
- Leftover Chicken Dishes (casseroles, soups with chicken): Dishes containing cooked chicken, such as chicken soup or casseroles, should also be consumed within 3 to 4 days when refrigerated.
- Chicken Nuggets or Patties: Cooked chicken nuggets or patties also follow the 3 to 4 day refrigeration guideline.
Store cooked chicken in airtight containers or resealable bags to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator. Proper storage also helps to prevent odor transfer to other foods.
Signs of Spoiled Cooked Chicken
Similar to raw chicken, cooked chicken also exhibits signs of spoilage that you should be aware of:
- Smell: Spoiled cooked chicken will develop an unpleasant, sour, or “off” odor. This is a clear indication that it’s no longer safe to eat.
- Texture: Cooked chicken that has gone bad can become slimy or sticky. The texture may change noticeably from when it was freshly cooked.
- Appearance: Watch for changes in color, such as a grayish or greenish tinge. Mold growth, though sometimes subtle, is another definitive sign of spoilage.
If your cooked chicken shows any of these signs, discard it. It’s not worth risking food poisoning.
Safe Handling Tips for Chicken
Beyond knowing how long chicken can last in the fridge, following safe handling practices is just as important to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
- Buying: When purchasing chicken, choose packages that are cold to the touch and have no tears or leaks. Pick up chicken last during your grocery shopping to minimize the time it spends at room temperature.
- Storing: Refrigerate chicken immediately upon returning home. Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure your refrigerator is at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Thawing: The safest way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator. Allow ample time for thawing; a whole chicken may take 24-48 hours to thaw completely. You can also thaw chicken in cold water (changing the water every 30 minutes) or in the microwave if you plan to cook it immediately. Never thaw chicken at room temperature.
- Cooking: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer. Ensure that no pink remains in the chicken and that juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other foods. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw chicken. Clean and sanitize countertops and sinks after preparation.
Conclusion
Understanding how long chicken can last in the fridge and practicing safe food handling are vital steps in preventing foodborne illnesses. Raw chicken should be used within 1-2 days and cooked chicken within 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below. Always rely on your senses – smell, texture, and appearance – to determine if chicken has spoiled, even within the recommended storage times. When in doubt, throw it out to protect your health. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy chicken as part of a healthy diet.
