How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge

Many households consider chicken to be a common food.



But, this tasty protein source is extremely susceptible to becoming infected. It is essential to make it ahead of time then store it in a safe place and cook it in a way that is safe to avoid foodborne illnesses.



A fridge full of chicken is convenient, however many people wonder what the best time to keep chicken in the fridge.



This article will help you to learn how long chickens can last in your refrigerator.





How long will chicken last in the refrigerator?





According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be kept in your refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days. The raw turkey and other birds are equally eligible to receive similar treatment.



Chikem that has been cooked will stay in the fridge for approximately 3-4 days.



Refrigerating chicken helps to slow bacterial growth. Bacteria grow slower at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).



Additionally, chicken that is raw is best kept in a leak-proof container, to stop the chicken's juices from leakage and contaminating other foods. It is recommended to store cooked chicken in an airtight container.



If the chicken is to be kept for longer than a few hours it is best to put it in your freezer.



Chicken pieces that are raw can be kept in the freezer for as long as 9 months, and a complete chicken can be frozen for as long as one year. The freezer can keep chicken cooked for up six months.



A SUMMARY



Raw chicken can last in the fridge for up to 1-2 days, while chicken that has been cooked can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.





How to tell the condition of your chicken bad





Chicken that has been left in the fridge for more than a few days could be at risk.



Here are a few ways to tell if your chicken has gone bad.





It's past the "best by" date. Chicken -- cooked and raw that is past its "best date if consumed by/before" date is more likely to have gone bad.





Changes in color. Raw and cooked chicken that is beginning to change a gray-green color has gone bad. The gray-green spots on the chicken are a sign of an increase in bacterial activity.





What is it odor as? When chicken is cooked, raw or cooked, it releases an acidic smell. This smell could turn like ammonia as the chicken gets bad. The smell may be difficult to detect if the chicken is marinated in sauces, herbs or spices.





Texture. Chicken that has a slimy texture is now bad. Rinsing the chicken will not eliminate the bacteria. The risk of cross-contamination can occur if bacteria is transferred from poultry to other food items or tools.





If you think that your chicken is going bad in your fridge, throw it out.



Summary



It is easy to tell if your chicken has gone bad when its color is beginning to fade, it has developed a sour or acidic smell, or it has become slimy.





Risks associated with eating spoiled Chicken





It is possible to contract foodborne illness by eating uncooked poultry, which is also known as foodpoisoning.



There is a good chance of food poisoning from chicken because it could be affected by bacteria like Campylobacter or Salmonella.



The bacteria are typically eliminated through cooking fresh chicken.



Avoid eating chicken that is rotten. Although cooking and reheating could kill some bacteria that are on the surface of the food, it doesn't eradicate all toxins that bacteria produce. This can result in food poisoning.



Food poisoning is a serious illness that can lead to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.



In How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge of food poisoning, hospitalization might be required.



Do not eat any chicken that appears to be stale. It is always better to dispose of any chicken that is going bad.



A SUMMARY



Even though the chicken was cooked perfectly, food poisoning can result after eating it.





The bottom line





Raw chicken is kept in the fridge for about 1 or 2 days, while the cooked chicken keeps for 3-4 days.



Look up for the "best by" date to find out if the chicken is rotten. Also take How to keep leftover chicken without going bad of signs such as a change in texture, smell or color.



Spoiled chickens can lead to food poisoning, even if it's been cooked correctly.