How long can chicken be kept in the fridge?
Chicken is a staple in many homes.
The nutritious and delicious food is susceptible to bacterial contamination. The proper preparation, storage and cooking for this protein are vital.
Although it's nice to keep chicken in your refrigerator Some people are curious about what the best time to keep chicken in the fridge.
This article will tell you how long chicken can stay in the fridge.
How long does chicken keep in the fridge?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, raw chicken can last for about 1-2 days in your refrigerator. Raw turkey and other poultry are also suitable to receive similar treatment.
Cooked chikem will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Storing chicken in a refrigerator can slow down the growth of bacteria. Bacteria grow slower when temperatures are below 40°F (4 degrees Celsius).
It is important to keep chicken that is raw in a leak-proof container. This will prevent any juices from leaking or contaminating other food items. Keep cooked chicken refrigerated in an airtight container.
You can store chicken in the freezer in case it is needed for longer than a couple of weeks.
Chicken pieces that are raw can be stored in the freezer for as long as 9 months, and a complete chicken can be frozen for as long as one year. It is possible to store cooked chicken in the freezer for between 2 and 6 months.
Summary
Raw chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week, while cooked chicken will last anywhere between 3-4 days.
How can you tell the difference between a good and bad chicken?
Chicken that is left in the refrigerator for longer than a few days could be at risk.
Below are a few ways to tell if your chicken is bad.
How to keep leftover chicken without going bad has past its "best before" date. You are more susceptible to getting sick from raw or cooked chicken.
Colors change. Raw or cooked chicken has turned a gray-green shade. A few spots of gray-to-green mold signify bacterial growth.
It smells. Both cooked and raw chickens emit a noxious, acidic odor that can be mistaken for ammonia. This smell can be hard to recognize if the meat is marinated in spice mixes, sauces or herbs.
Texture. The chicken that has a slimy texture, has gone bad. Rinsing chicken is not a way to eliminate bacteria. Cross-contamination can be caused by transferring bacteria from poultry to other foods and utensils.
You can dispose of any chicken that has gone rotten in your fridge.
Summary
It is easy to tell when your chicken has gone bad by its color, smell, acidic or sour taste or its slimy appearance.
Potential dangers of eating chicken that has been spoiled
Consuming chicken that has been spoiled could cause foodborne illness or food poisoning.
The chance of food poisoning in chicken is due the possibility that it's been infected by bacteria, for example, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and many more.
These bacteria are usually removed by cooking fresh chicken.
But, it's not recommended to cook or eat uncooked poultry. Reheating or baking can destroy the bacteria present on the surface. However, it won’t get rid of certain toxins caused by bacteria. These toxins can cause food poisoning.
Food poisoning can be a serious illness that can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Sometimes, food poisoning that is severe can need hospitalization, or even death.
You should not take a bite of your chicken if think it's been rotten. You must throw out any chicken you suspect to be bad.
Summary
Even if the chicken is cooked properly, eating rotten chicken may cause food poisoning.
The bottom line
Chicken that is raw can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, and cooked chicken can last between 3 and 4 days.
To detect if chicken is rotten To determine if the chicken is rotten, look up the "best when used before" date and look for signs of spoilage, such as changes in texture, smell, and color.
Avoid eating rotten chicken.