Introduction
Storing chicken properly is an important step in ensuring that your food is safe to eat. Knowing how long you can keep chicken in the refrigerator is key to preventing foodborne illnesses. This article will provide tips for storing chicken in the refrigerator, discuss how long chicken lasts in the fridge, and offer guidelines for discarding chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator.
Tips for Storing Chicken in the Refrigerator
When storing chicken in the refrigerator, there are a few things to consider. Start by making sure that the chicken is properly packaged. Raw chicken should be placed in a sealed container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Cooked chicken should also be placed in a sealed container or wrapped securely. Make sure that the container or wrapping is not torn or damaged, as this could lead to cross-contamination.
Temperature is also important when storing chicken in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for the refrigerator is 40°F (4.4°C) or lower. This helps to slow down bacterial growth and keeps your food from spoiling too quickly. If your refrigerator does not have a thermometer, consider investing in one to help ensure that your food is being stored at the proper temperature.
Finally, it’s important to avoid cross-contamination when storing chicken in the refrigerator. This means that raw chicken should be stored separately from cooked chicken. Raw chicken should also be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, as juices from the raw chicken can drip onto other foods and cause contamination.
How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge?
The answer to this question depends on whether the chicken is fresh or cooked. Fresh chicken can typically last in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Cooked chicken can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and the actual shelf life may vary depending on the quality of the chicken and how it was stored.
When to Discard Chicken That Has Been Stored in the Refrigerator
It’s important to know when to discard chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator. To determine if the chicken is still safe to eat, perform a smell test, look test, and feel test. If the chicken smells off or has an unusual odor, it should be discarded. Additionally, if the chicken looks slimy or has a change in color, it should be discarded. Finally, if the chicken feels sticky or tacky, it should be discarded.
Keeping Chicken Fresh: How Long is Too Long?
Once chicken has been stored in the refrigerator, it is best to consume it within 1-2 days for fresh chicken and 3-4 days for cooked chicken. After this time period, the quality of the chicken begins to decline and the risk of foodborne illness increases. If you are unable to consume the chicken within this timeframe, freezing is an alternative option. Frozen chicken can typically last up to 4 months in the freezer.
What To Do With Leftover Chicken: Refrigerator Storage Guidelines
If you have leftover chicken that you plan to consume later, it is important to store it correctly. To reheat chicken, place it in a preheated oven or microwave. Make sure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Reheated chicken should be consumed within 2 hours of cooking. Additionally, cooled chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Refrigerating Chicken
When storing chicken in the refrigerator, there are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. Do make sure that the chicken is properly packaged and stored at the correct temperature. Do also avoid cross-contamination by storing raw chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Don’t leave chicken at room temperature for more than two hours and don’t consume chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator for more than 1-2 days (for fresh chicken) or 3-4 days (for cooked chicken).
Conclusion
Storing chicken in the refrigerator is an important step in maintaining food safety. It is important to follow the guidelines outlined in this article to ensure that your food is kept fresh and safe to eat. Store chicken properly, refrain from consuming chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator for more than 1-2 days (for fresh chicken) or 3-4 days (for cooked chicken), and always discard chicken that has an off smell, unusual color, or sticky texture.
