How Long Do Chickens Last in the Fridge
A lot of households believe that chicken should be a common food item.
This delicious, healthy source of protein can be affected by bacteria. How to keep leftover chicken without going bad is why preparing, storing and cooking it correctly is essential -- else it could end up being the source of food-borne illnesses.
The ease of keeping chicken in the fridge is easy however, many people are concerned how safe chicken is in the fridge.
This article will show you how long chicken will last in your fridge.
How long will chicken keep in the fridge?
According to How long does cooked chicken last United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Raw chicken can be kept in your fridge approximately 1-2 days. This is the same for turkeys that are raw, or any other poultry.
You can keep the Chikem that you have cooked in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Refrigerating chicken reduces the growth of bacterial. Bacteria grow more slowly when temperatures fall below forty degrees Fahrenheit (4degreeC).
It is important to store raw chicken in an airtight container. This will stop the juices from spilling out or contaminating other food items. You should keep cooked chicken in an airtight container.
If the chicken is to be stored for more than a couple of hours, it is best to put it in the freezer.
Raw chicken pieces can be kept in the freezer for up to 9 months, while a whole chicken is able to be stored for as long as one year. For between 2 and 6 months, cooked chicken in oil may be kept in the freezer.
A SUMMARY
Chicken that is raw can stay in your fridge for 1 to 2 days. Cooked chicken can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How to determine if a chicken is bad
If you've put chicken in the fridge for more than a couple of days, it's possible it has become rotten.
Here are some indications that your chicken isn't excellent:
Beyond its "best-if-used before date" This means that the chicken will likely be rotten.
Colors shift. Raw or cooked chicken is turning gray-green. Spots that appear gray-green due to mold can be a sign of an increase in bacterial activity.
The smell of chicken. Raw and cooked chickens emit an acidic scent which can be reminiscent of ammonia, especially when it becomes stale. But, this smell can be difficult to discern if the chicken has been marinated in sauces, herbs or spices.
Texture. It is time to get rid of the slimy appearance. Rinsing the chicken doesn't kill bacteria. The risk of cross-contamination is when the bacteria is spread through food items and utensils.
Discard any chicken found in your refrigerator if you believe it's not safe.
Summary
If chicken is stale, its color will begin to fade. It will have an acidic, sour, or slimy smell.
The dangers of eating chicken that has been spoiled
Consuming spoiled chicken can lead to foodborne illness or food poisoning.
Chicken is at risk of food poisoning, because it could be affected by bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella and others.
The bacteria are typically removed by cooking fresh chicken.
However, it's still best to avoid cooking and eating cooked chicken that has been spoiled. While cooking and re-heating may kill some bacteria that are on the surface of the food, it's not enough to remove all toxins from bacteria. This can lead to food poisoning.
Food poisoning may cause unpleasant and sometimes deadly symptoms.
Sometimes, food poisoning severe enough can cause hospitalization, or even death.
Avoid eating any chicken that looks stale. It is recommended to dispose of the chicken you suspect to be unclean.
Summary
Even if the chicken is cooked properly, eating rotten chicken may cause food poisoning.
The bottom line
Raw chicken will keep in the fridge for two days. The chicken that has been cooked will last approximately 3-4 days.
To determine if the chicken is gone bad, you should examine the "best used by" date. Look for indicators of spoilage such as changes to smell and texture.
It is recommended to stay clear of eating poultry that has been spoilt even if you've prepared it properly.
