How long does chicken stay in the fridge
Chicken is considered to be a common meat choice in many homes.
This delicious and nutritious food is susceptible to bacteria-related contamination. Proper preparation, storage, and cooking of this protein is crucial.
While it's convenient to keep chicken in the refrigerator, many are unsure how long they can safely keep the meat from getting frozen.
This article will help you understand the length of time chicken can last in your fridge.
How long can chicken stay at room temperature?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) the raw chicken can be kept in your fridge approximately 1 to 2 days. Raw turkey and other poultry are as well qualified to receive the same treatment.
You can keep the prepared chikem in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Refrigerating chicken helps slow bacterial growth because bacteria tend to grow slower in temperatures less than 40 degF (4degC).
Raw chicken must be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent its juices from getting into other foods. Keep the chicken that has been cooked in an airtight container.
It is recommended to freeze the chicken if you plan to keep it for more than just a few days.
Raw chicken pieces can be kept in the freezer for as long as 9 months. A whole chicken is able to be stored for up to one year. It is possible to store cooked chicken in the freezer for between 2 and six months.
Summary
Raw chicken can last for up to two days in the fridge, while cooked poultry can last up to 3-4 weeks in the fridge.
How can you tell if chicken has gone bad
If you've kept chicken in the refrigerator for more than a couple of days, there's a chance that it's gone bad.
Here are some ways to determine if the chicken in your fridge is bad:
It is been past its "best before" date. How long does cooked chicken last are more likely to get sick from raw or cooked chicken.
Color changes. Raw chicken or cooked chicken is turning an eerie gray-green hue. The spots that have gray-to-green mold can indicate an infection with a bacterium.
The smell. Both raw and cooked chicken emit an acidic smell that resembles ammonia when it is rotting. It's possible to miss the smell if your bird is marinated in sauces and spices.
Texture. Chicken with a slimy texture is not good. Rinsing the chicken will not eliminate the bacteria. Cross-contamination could be caused by transferring bacteria from poultry to other food items and utensils.
If you suspect that the chicken has getting rotten, you should be sure to throw it away.
SUMMARY
Chicken is identified by changes in color, an acidic or bitter taste, or a slimy texture.
Risks of eating chicken that has been spoiled
Foodborne illness is also known as food poisoning, and can result from eating spoiled chicken.
Food poisoning is a serious risk. It could be due to chicken that may be contaminated in some way with bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella.
They usually go away when you cook fresh chicken thoroughly.
But, it is still important to stay clear of cooking and eating spoiled chicken. Although re-heating or cooking can kill surface bacteria but it will not eliminate all of the toxins that are produced by bacteria, which can cause food poisoning if you consume them.
Food poisoning can trigger discomfort and even dangerous symptoms, including a high fever (above 101.5degF or 38.6degC), chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools and dehydration.
In severe cases of food poisoning, hospitalization may be necessary.
It is not recommended to consume your chicken if you suspect that it has been spoilt. It is better to throw away any chicken that has gone bad.
Summary
Even if the chicken has been cooked correctly, eating rotten chicken may cause food poisoning.
The bottomline
Chicken that is raw can be stored in the refrigerator up to one week, and cooked chicken can last between 3 and 4 days.
To determine if the chicken is rotten, check the "best if used before" date, and then look for signs of spoilage like changes in the texture, smell, and color.
You should avoid eating spoiled chicken.
