Chicken breast is one of the most popular meats that people buy to cook and eat at home. It’s versatile, nutritious, and easy to prepare in many different ways. However, like any type of raw meat, proper storage is essential for food safety. So how long can you keep chicken breasts in the fridge before they go bad?
Overview of Chicken Breast Storage
In general, the USDA recommends using or freezing raw chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing it. For cooked chicken, the timeframe is 3-4 days in the fridge. Here are some key points on storing chicken breast:
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Raw chicken breast lasts 1-2 days in the fridge.
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Cooked chicken breast keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated.
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Frozen chicken breast stays safe indefinitely but maintains best quality for 9-12 months.
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Proper temperature is vital – raw chicken needs to be kept at 40°F or below
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Raw chicken should always be stored in a sealed container or resealable bag on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent leaks.
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Cooked chicken should be stored in air-tight, shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.
How to Tell If Chicken Breast Has Gone Bad
Even when stored under proper conditions, it’s important to check chicken for signs of spoilage before cooking. Here are some ways to know if your chicken breast has gone bad:
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Sell-by date passed – The sell-by date is usually 1-5 days after the packing date depending on the manufacturer. If this date has passed, it’s best to discard the chicken.
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Discoloration – Raw chicken naturally has a pink, beige or pale yellow color. If you notice gray, green or blue spots, it’s spoiled. Cooked chicken can turn grayish-green as it goes bad.
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Sliminess – Raw chicken has a moist, glossy look but shouldn’t feel slimy. A slippery texture or sticky slime on the surface indicates spoilage.
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Funny smell – Fresh chicken has a mild odor. If you notice a sour, ammonia-like or rotten scent, it has gone off.
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Weird texture – Press the chicken lightly with your finger – if the meat feels mushy or spongy or leaves an indent, toss it out.
If in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from iffy chicken.
Does Storage Time Vary for Different Parts of the Chicken?
The fridge life for chicken breast, thighs, drumsticks, wings, ground chicken and other parts are all similar – 1 to 2 days raw and 3 to 4 days cooked. However, because chicken breasts are thicker than other pieces, they hold cold temperatures better. Take these precautions:
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Store packages of chicken breast towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
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Once opened, re-wrap breasts tightly in plastic wrap or foil before returning to the fridge. Limiting air exposure keeps meat fresher for longer.
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Cook chicken pieces within 2 days of opening the package, even if the sell-by date is later, to be safe.
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Marinate chicken breast in the fridge, not on the counter. Acidic marinades can start to “cook” the meat and promote bacterial growth at room temp.
Tips to Maximize Chicken Breast Fridge Life
With the right strategies, you can extend the shelf life of fresh chicken breast for a few extra days:
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Buy in smaller packs – Large family-sized packages take longer to chill in the fridge, giving bacteria a head start. Opt for single smaller packs.
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Use it fast – Plan to use chicken within a couple days of buying it. The longer it’s in the fridge, the shorter its remaining life.
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Freeze extras, pre-portioned – Freeze chicken in freezer bags in the serving sizes you’ll use for easy defrosting later.
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Keep fridge at correct temp – Use an appliance thermometer and maintain temperatures at 40°F or below. Higher temps shorten chicken’s shelf life.
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Prep carefully – Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after handling raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
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Store cooked chicken shallowly – Divide leftovers into smaller, shallower containers. This helps them chill quickly in the fridge.
Following the fridge time guidelines, monitoring for spoilage and practicing proper storage techniques will help you keep delicious, fresh chicken breast on hand while staying safe. Trust your senses, don’t take risks with questionable chicken and enjoy your freshly cooked meals!
How To Store Leftover Chicken So It Stays Fresh Longer
Proper storage is the first step to making leftover chicken last. “The best way to store leftover cooked chicken in the refrigerator is to place it in an airtight container,” says Cartwright.
Cool the chicken to room temperature first, then quickly put it in the fridge. If it sits out for too long—more than two hours—bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus can multiply quickly on the chicken.
If stored correctly, leftover cooked chicken usually lasts three to four days in the refrigerator.
“Even when stored in the refrigerator, leftover cooked chicken can still pose a risk if it’s kept too long,” says Cartwright. “Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria but doesn’t completely stop it.”
The Best Storage Containers for Leftover Chicken
The best vessels for storing leftover chicken are airtight glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. “These containers help preserve freshness while preventing odor transfer to other items in the refrigerator,” Cartwright says. “They are also reusable and environmentally friendly.”
You can wrap leftover chicken in aluminum foil or plastic wrap instead, but make sure that it’s tightly sealed around the chicken so air can’t get in and affect quality and safety.
It’s tempting to just keep leftover chicken in takeout containers, but they are often not the best option. If they don’t have tight-fitting lids, they shouldn’t be used for longer-term storage.
How to freeze your MuscleFood chicken …
FAQ
Can raw chicken last 5 days in the fridge?
Raw chicken can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It is important to store it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below and to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Can I eat chicken after 7 days in the fridge?
It’s generally not recommended to eat cooked chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator for more than 3 to 4 days. After this time, the risk of foodborne illness increases due to the growth of bacteria.
How long can I keep chicken breast in the fridge uncooked?
Storing chicken to use in the immediate future? No need to stash it in the freezer — it’s OK to store raw chicken (whole or in pieces) for 1–2 days in the fridge. If you have leftovers that include cooked chicken, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Can I eat cooked chicken breast after 5 days?
As a general food safety guideline, cooked chicken stored in the refrigerator is typically safe to eat for up to 3-4 days. After six days, it’s recommended to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
How long does chicken breast last in the refrigerator?
The shelf life of chicken breast in the refrigerator depends on several factors, including the initial quality of the meat, the packaging, and the temperature of the refrigerator. Raw Chicken Breast: Uncooked chicken breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How do you store chicken breast in the fridge?
Improper storage can lead to bacterial growth, which can cause food poisoning. Always store chicken breast at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth. Use the fridge’s coldest part, typically the back, to store the chicken breast.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken breasts can typically last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. Always allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it in airtight containers to prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can encourage spoilage. It’s crucial to be able to tell when cooked chicken is no longer good to eat.
How long can you keep raw chicken in the fridge?
Always keep raw chicken separate from other foods in the refrigerator and avoid using the same utensils or cutting boards for raw chicken and other foods. As a general guideline, fresh, raw chicken breast can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What temperature should cooked chicken be refrigerated?
To maximize the quality and safety of the chicken breast, keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C). If you don’t plan to use the chicken within this time frame, consider freezing it to extend its shelf life. How long can cooked chicken breast be stored in the refrigerator?
What temperature should chicken breast be stored?
To ensure your chicken breast remains safe to eat, proper storage is paramount. Here are key factors to consider: Temperature: Always store chicken at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Container: Use airtight containers or wraps to prevent exposure to air and moisture. How Long Can Chicken Breast Be Refrigerated?