Chicken is a staple food for many of us It’s versatile, nutritious, and relatively inexpensive However, raw chicken is highly perishable and must be handled properly to avoid foodborne illnesses. One common question is how long packaged raw chicken lasts in the refrigerator.
I did some research on this topic to provide a definitive answer. In this article, I’ll share with you the key factors that affect chicken’s shelf life signs of spoiled chicken to watch out for proper storage techniques, and tips on maximizing freshness. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge to store, handle and consume packaged chicken safely.
The Shelf Life of Packaged Raw Chicken in the Fridge
The shelf life of raw chicken depends on a few factors:
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Type of packaging – Raw chicken in its original sealed packaging or in an airtight container lasts longer than chicken stored loosely wrapped. Vacuum sealing extends shelf life slightly.
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Storage temperature – Raw chicken should be stored at 40°F or below. Consistent fridge temperature is key.
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Freshness when purchased – The fresher the chicken when bought, the longer it will last. Check sell-by dates.
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Type of cut – Whole chickens last a bit longer than chicken parts. More surface area exposes chicken to bacteria.
In general, raw chicken in its original packaging can last 1-2 days beyond the sell-by date if stored properly in the fridge. For best quality, it should be cooked within 1-2 days of purchasing.
I recommend cooking or freezing chicken within 2 days for safety. Don’t rely on smell or look alone to determine if it’s gone bad. When in doubt, throw it out.
Signs That Your Packaged Chicken Has Spoiled
It’s important to watch for the following signs of spoilage:
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Slimy texture – This indicates bacterial growth, so discard immediately.
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Grey, green or brown color – Raw chicken should be pink/white. Discoloration means spoilage.
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Rancid or sour smell – Fresh chicken has a mild odor. Foul smell means it’s rotten.
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Discharge or slime – Leakage or oozing is a clear sign of spoilage.
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Inflated packaging – This can indicate gas production by bacteria.
Don’t taste chicken if you suspect it’s gone bad. Safety first! Trust your senses and discard chicken with any signs of spoilage.
Proper Storage for Packaged Chicken
To maximize packaged chicken’s shelf life:
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Refrigerate immediately at 40°F or below.
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Keep chicken in original packaging or airtight container.
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Place chicken on a plate to catch leaks if packaging has been opened.
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Store chicken on bottom shelf of the fridge to contain potential leaks.
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Separate raw chicken from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
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Use chicken within recommended timeframe (1-2 days max).
Proper, consistent refrigeration temperature is key. Invest in a thermometer to monitor the fridge if needed.
Freezing for Maximum Freshness
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of packaged chicken. Here are some tips:
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Freeze chicken in original packaging or airtight containers. Exclude excess air.
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Label packages with date of freezing for easy reference.
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Raw chicken can be frozen for 9-12 months, maintaining quality and freshness.
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Thaw chicken safely in the fridge, cold water, or microwave. Cook immediately.
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Don’t refreeze chicken after it’s been thawed. This increases risk of bacterial growth.
With proper freezing techniques, you can enjoy packaged chicken for months while retaining its freshness and nutrients.
Is Expired Chicken Ever Safe to Eat?
I don’t recommend eating chicken that has passed its expiration date, even if it looks or smells normal. As chicken spoils, dangerous bacteria may begin growing before you can detect any changes. Consuming spoiled chicken can cause food poisoning with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Don’t take the risk – when in doubt, throw it out.
Safe Handling and Disposal of Chicken
Mishandling raw chicken creates opportunities for harmful bacterial contamination and cross-contamination. Here are some best practices:
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Wash hands and surfaces immediately after handling raw chicken.
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Use separate cutting boards and utensils for chicken.
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Discard chicken when in doubt about freshness. Don’t taste it!
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Discard chicken in a sealed bag to contain bacteria. Place in outdoor garbage bin.
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Buy fresh chicken as close to anticipated use as possible.
Following proper food safety practices reduces your risk for foodborne illnesses related to packaged chicken. Take care when buying, storing, handling and cooking chicken.
The Bottom Line
So how long can you keep packaged chicken in the fridge? Raw chicken lasts just 1-2 days max in the fridge. For safety and quality, it’s best to cook or freeze chicken within 2 days of purchasing. Monitor the fridge temperature, check for spoilage indicators, and adhere to safe handling practices. With this knowledge, you can enjoy fresh, delicious chicken meals without worrying about foodborne illness.
How long can you store chicken in the freezer?
Chicken thats kept frozen (under 0 degrees F) is technically safe to eat for about one year according to FoodSafety.gov, but that doesnt mean you should wait a year, or even months, to eat it. Even shrink-wrapped meat will eventually succumb to frost and freezer burn. While that might not cause the chicken to become unsafe, it will affect its deliciousness. The meat may develop a rubbery or mealy texture.
Frozen cooked chicken can last indefinitely without risk of illness, but it will start to lose flavor in the freezer almost immediately and texture will also become compromised if exposed to freezer burn.
When in doubt, employ the smell and eye test
While the sell-by date and USDA recommendations are good guideposts for eating chicken safely, the smell test should always be employed as a backup. Chicken can encounter all kinds of storage mishaps and irregularities in its journey to your kitchen. If youre chicken smells foul, acrid or rotten, its probably time to chuck it.
And keep a close on eye on any changes in the meats appearance. Chicken that appears slimy or discolored in any way (yellow, brown or green) should be discarded immediately.
How long can thawed chicken stay in the fridge?
FAQ
Is raw chicken ok in the fridge for 5 days?
How long can an unopened package of chicken last in the fridge?
How long is vacuum sealed chicken good for in the fridge?
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 does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken purchased in a package can last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, as long as it is stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. 11. Can I refreeze packaged chicken that has been thawed? It is generally safe to refreeze packaged chicken that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator.
How long can you keep packaged chicken in the freezer?
Freezing packaged chicken can significantly extend its shelf life. As a general rule, properly preserved chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to nine months. 4. How can I store packaged chicken to keep it fresh? To keep packaged chicken fresh, store it in its original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag.
Should cooked chicken be refrigerated?
Storing chicken in the fridge helps slow bacterial growth, as bacteria tend to grow slower in temperatures below 40°F (4°C) (3). Furthermore, raw chicken is best stored in a leak-proof container to prevent its juices from leaking and contaminating other foods. Cooked chicken should be refrigerated in an airtight container (3).
Is it safe to eat packaged chicken after the expiration date?
The “use-by” date on the package indicates the last day the chicken is at its peak freshness and quality. It is generally safe to consume packaged chicken within a day or two after this date, as long as it smells and looks fresh. 6. Can I wash packaged chicken before storing it in the fridge?
How do you store chicken in the fridge?
Store chicken wrapped in a plastic bag or in an airtight container on the bottom shelf. The plastic bag or container will help protect your fridge and your other food in case the packaging leaks—and storing it on the lower shelves will keep it in the coolest part of the fridge.
How do you keep chicken fresh in a package?
To keep packaged chicken fresh, store it in its original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag. Make sure to place it on a low shelf in the refrigerator, where the temperature is consistently cold. 5. Can I rely on the “use-by” date on the package?