Introduction
Chicken is one of the most popular meats in the world. It’s a great source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to salads. But when it comes to food safety, proper storage and handling of chicken is essential. Knowing how long chicken is good in the refrigerator is key to preventing foodborne illnesses.
How to Store Chicken Properly in the Refrigerator
Before you store your chicken in the fridge, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to choose the right type of chicken for your needs. Fresh chicken will last longer than frozen, so if you’re looking for something that will stay good for a while, opt for fresh. Second, you should always prepare your chicken properly before storing it in the fridge. This means washing and drying it, as well as cutting away any fat or gristle.
Once your chicken is ready, you can start storing it in the fridge. Make sure you place it on a clean plate or dish, and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep the chicken fresh and prevent it from leaking juices onto other foods in the fridge. You should also make sure to seal the package tightly so no air can get in.
The Shelf-Life of Chicken in the Fridge
How long chicken stays good in the fridge depends on whether it’s cooked or fresh. Fresh chicken can last up to two days in the refrigerator, while cooked chicken can last up to four days. If you’re not sure how old the chicken is, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use it within one or two days.
Fresh Chicken
Fresh chicken should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, usually at the bottom. It should be wrapped or sealed tightly in an airtight container or bag to prevent it from spoiling. If you plan on using it within two days, you don’t need to freeze it. However, if you won’t be using it within that time frame, it’s best to store it in the freezer.
Cooked Chicken
Cooked chicken can last up to four days in the refrigerator. It should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the coldest part of the fridge. If you don’t plan on eating it within four days, it’s best to freeze it. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to four months.
How to Tell if Your Chicken is Still Good
It’s important to check your chicken regularly to make sure it’s still safe to eat. Here are a few ways to tell if your chicken has gone bad:
Checking the Color and Smell
If your chicken has an off color or smell, it’s likely spoiled and should be thrown out. Fresh chicken should have a pinkish hue, while cooked chicken should have a golden-brown color. The smell should also be pleasant; if it smells sour or off, it’s best to discard it.
Checking the Temperature
You can also check the temperature of your chicken to see if it’s still safe to eat. Fresh chicken should be kept at 40°F (4°C) or below, while cooked chicken should be kept at 140°F (60°C) or above. If the temperature is higher or lower than these thresholds, it’s best to throw it out.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Storing Chicken in the Refrigerator
When it comes to storing chicken in the refrigerator, there are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. Here are a few tips to help you keep your chicken safe and fresh:
Do’s
- Store chicken in the coldest part of the fridge.
- Wrap or seal chicken tightly to prevent leakage.
- Check chicken regularly for spoilage.
- Use cooked chicken within four days.
- Freeze chicken if you won’t be using it within two days.
Don’ts
- Don’t leave chicken out at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Don’t let raw chicken come into contact with other foods.
- Don’t thaw chicken at room temperature.
- Don’t store cooked and raw chicken together.
- Don’t use chicken that has an off color or smell.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Cooked chicken can last up to four days in the fridge. If you won’t be using it within that time frame, it’s best to freeze it. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to four months.
General Guidelines
To ensure that your cooked chicken stays safe and fresh, follow these general guidelines:
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge.
- Check the temperature of the chicken regularly to make sure it hasn’t gone bad.
- Use cooked chicken within four days.
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to four months.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from a cooked meal, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be eaten within four days, but can be frozen for up to four months. Be sure to label and date the containers so you know when they were made.
Conclusion
Proper storage and handling of chicken is essential for food safety. When it comes to storing chicken in the refrigerator, it’s important to choose the right type of chicken, prepare it properly, and store it in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge. Fresh chicken can last up to two days in the fridge, while cooked chicken can last up to four days. If you’re not sure how old the chicken is, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use it within one or two days. Leftover cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten within four days. If you won’t be using it within that time frame, it’s best to freeze it.
Key Takeaways: When it comes to storing chicken in the refrigerator, it’s important to choose the right type of chicken, prepare it properly, and store it in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge. Fresh chicken can last up to two days in the fridge, while cooked chicken can last up to four days. Leftover cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten within four days. If you won’t be using it within that time frame, it’s best to freeze it.
Storing chicken properly is essential for food safety. By following the guidelines outlined here, you can ensure that your chicken stays fresh and safe to eat. For more information on food safety, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.
