Storing chicken in your fridge is an excellent way to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat, but how long can chicken stay in the fridge before it starts to go bad?
In this blog post, we will explore the optimal length of time you can store chicken in the fridge before you should throw it out.
Introduction
This blog covers the important topic of how long it is safe to eat chicken stored in the fridge.
It is important to ensure that chicken remains safe to eat and that any food poisoning risks are minimalized.
To understand this better, we will explore the storage times, safety tips, and other information related to keeping chickens fresh in the fridge.
We hope this article helps you make sure you are consuming your chicken safely!
How Long Can Chicken Be Stored in the Fridge?
When it comes to storing chicken in the refrigerator, you should aim to use it within two days after purchasing.
Any chicken stored in the fridge should be cooked before the two-day mark.
If you need to store chicken for longer than two days, you can freeze it for up to four months.
Freezing does not make the food safer than storing it in the fridge, but it does extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage.
What Happens If Chicken Is Stored Too Long?
When chicken is stored in the refrigerator for a long period of time, the meat can start to spoil.
The longer it is stored, the higher the chance of bacteria growth.
If eaten, this spoiled chicken can cause food poisoning or other illnesses.
Soiled chicken may also have a bad taste, texture and odor which should be avoided.
It is important to check expiration dates and pay attention to any off-smells or changes in color when dealing with poultry products in order to prevent food poisoning.
How to Tell If Chicken Has Spoiled?
It can be difficult to tell if chicken has gone bad, but there are a few key indicators.
Firstly, the chicken should not have a slimy texture. Secondly, the bird should have a strong odor beyond what is normal for poultry.
Finally, spoiled chicken may appear discolored or darkened. If any of these signs are present, it is best to discard the chicken and purchase fresh poultry.
How To Store Chicken Properly In The Fridge?
Proper storage of chicken is key to food safety and preventing the growth of bacteria.
When storing chicken in the fridge, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container, and store it on the bottom shelf so that juice from the chicken won’t drip onto other foods.
To further reduce risk of contamination, avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats separate from other produce or cooked items.
Additionally, always make sure you consume cooked chicken within 1-2 days of purchase for best results.
Conclusion
Overall, it is safe to eat chicken stored in the fridge for up to two days as long as it has been kept at a temperature below 40°F. However, to reduce the risk of food-related illness it is important to store and handle chicken safely from the time of purchase all the way through to its preparation and cooking.
