How Long Can You Keep Raw Chicken In The Refrigerator?
When it comes to food safety and maintaining the quality of your meals, understanding how long you can store raw chicken in the refrigerator is crucial. Raw chicken, like other perishable meats, requires proper handling and storage to prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses and maintain its freshness. This guide will provide you with clear information on how to safely store raw chicken in your refrigerator.
Raw Chicken Storage Guidelines
Storing raw chicken properly is essential for both safety and taste. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that raw chicken be stored in the refrigerator only for a limited time.
Refrigerator Storage Time
- Whole Raw Chicken: Keep for up to 1-2 days
- Chicken Pieces (breasts, thighs, wings, etc.): Keep for up to 1-2 days
- Ground Chicken: Keep for up to 1-2 days
Using raw chicken within the recommended timeframe is critical to prevent bacterial growth. Bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter can develop rapidly when chicken is stored improperly or kept for too long at temperatures above 40°F (4°C).
Temperature Control
To ensure that your raw chicken remains safe to eat, maintain your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). An appliance thermometer can be a helpful tool to regularly check and confirm that your refrigerator temperature is adequately low.
How to Store Raw Chicken Safely
Proper storage can further help in prolonging the freshness of chicken and reducing contamination risks.
Packaging Tips
- Original Packaging: If you plan to use the chicken within 1-2 days, it’s best to keep it in its original packaging until you’re ready to prepare it.
- Additional Sealing: If you notice any liquid leakage, place the chicken package on a tray or in a sealed container to prevent contaminants from spilling onto other foods.
Placement
- Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This prevents any potential drippings from contaminating other foods stored below.
Consider Freezing
If you do not plan on using the raw chicken within the next 1-2 days, consider freezing it. Freezing can preserve the chicken for up to nine months (whole) or up to six months (pieces) without a significant loss in quality.
| Product | Refrigerator Storage | Freezer Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Chicken | 1-2 days | Up to 9 months |
| Chicken Pieces | 1-2 days | Up to 6 months |
| Ground Chicken | 1-2 days | Up to 3-4 months |
Signs That Raw Chicken Has Gone Bad
Even when stored properly, it's important to recognize the signs that chicken may have spoiled:
- Odor: Fresh chicken typically has a mild smell. A strong, sour, or foul odor indicates spoilage.
- Color: Fresh chicken is usually pink in hue. If the chicken develops gray or greenish tints, dispose of it.
- Texture: Spoiled chicken often becomes slimy and sticky upon touch.
If any of these signs are present, it is safest to discard the chicken immediately.
Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is key to maintaining food safety in your home. Properly storing raw chicken not only ensures its safe consumption but also helps retain its taste and nutrient quality. By following these best practices, you can enjoy delicious and safe meals prepared with high-quality chicken.