How Long Is Chicken Good For In The Refrigerator?

Understanding how long chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator is crucial to ensuring both food quality and safety. Proper storage extends its shelf life and helps prevent foodborne illnesses.

Storing Raw Chicken

Raw chicken is highly perishable and should be handled with care to prevent contamination.

Recommended Storage Time

For raw chicken, it’s advisable to use it within 1-2 days when stored in the refrigerator. This timeline applies to both whole chickens and chicken pieces such as breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.

Storage Tips

• Packaging: Keep the chicken in its original packaging if you plan to use it within a couple of days. For longer storage, rewrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container to prevent leaks and contamination.
• Placement: Store chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent its juices from dripping onto other foods.

Storing Cooked Chicken

Cooked chicken lasts longer than raw chicken when properly stored, with minimal loss of flavor and texture over time.

Recommended Storage Time

Cooked chicken can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Storage Tips

• Cool Down Quickly: Refrigerate cooked chicken promptly within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Use Airtight Containers: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.

Signs of Spoilage

Knowing the signs of spoilage is essential to ensure the chicken is safe to eat. Here's what to look for:

Raw Chicken

• Smell: Fresh chicken should have little to no smell. If it has a sour or ammonia-like odor, it’s time to discard it.
• Texture: Fresh raw chicken should feel smooth. If it’s slimy or sticky to the touch, it’s no longer safe.

Cooked Chicken

• Smell and Appearance: An off smell or any change in color (e.g., from creamy white to gray) is a clear sign of spoilage.
• Texture: Spoiled cooked chicken may be slimy or sticky rather than firm.

The Importance of Proper Temperature

Maintaining an appropriate refrigerator temperature is essential for preserving chicken safety and quality.

• Refrigerator Temperature: Ensure your refrigerator is set at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use a thermometer to monitor its accuracy.

By understanding these guidelines, you can confidently store chicken in your refrigerator, ensuring it remains fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat. Proper storage not only extends the life of your chicken but also supports optimal food safety practices. Whether raw or cooked, keeping an eye on its storage time and condition will prevent spoilage and reduce food waste, ensuring you and your family enjoy safe and delicious meals.