Aidells® Fully Cooked Smoked Chicken and Apple Chicken Sausage Links are great as a main dish, an ingredient, or a side dish. You can add them to salads or use them as a protein topping on pasta with a creamy tomato sauce.
As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for quality ingredients that are versatile and convenient. Aidells chicken sausages check all those boxes! Their flavorful seasoned chicken and apple chicken varieties have become kitchen staples for quick dinners and easy appetizers in my home.
But with their convenience comes the question – how long do these fully cooked Aidells chicken sausages last? Understanding their shelf life helps me reduce food waste and shop smart.
In this article, I’ll share my tips on maximizing the freshness of Aidells chicken sausages, so you can enjoy their zesty flavors as long as possible!
An Overview of Aidells Chicken Sausages
First let’s look at why these sausages are so popular
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Made with quality lean chicken and chicken thigh meat
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Flavored with spices, herbs cheeses fruits, and vegetables
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Fully cooked – just heat and eat!
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Available fresh or frozen
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Found at major grocery stores nationwide
With such convenience and bold flavors, it’s no wonder Aidells chicken sausages are a favorite! But convenience does come at a cost when it comes to shelf life compared to raw sausages.
So let’s look at how to make the most of their freshness.
How Long Do Aidells Chicken Sausages Last When Fresh?
For fresh chicken sausages from the refrigerated section:
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Unopened package: Up to 2 weeks past the sell-by date
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After opening: 3-5 days
The key is storing them properly in the fridge at 40°F or below. The sell-by date is a good baseline – consume within 1-2 weeks of it for best quality.
Also, inspect the sausages before eating – discard if you see any sliminess or smell spoilage.
Extending Shelf Life By Freezing
Freezing is my go-to for making Aidells chicken sausages last longer. Here are some freezing tips:
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Double wrap in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn
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Portion into servings so you can thaw only what you need
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Label with name and freeze-by date
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Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality
Thaw frozen sausages overnight in the fridge before cooking. And inspect before eating – if you notice an off smell or color, play it safe and toss them.
Storage Tips for Leftover Cooked Sausages
Made too many sausages? No worries – you’ve got options!
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Fridge: 3-4 days in airtight container
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Freeze: 2-3 months in portioned freezer bags
When reheating, cook to 165°F. And incorporate leftover cooked sausages into casseroles, pasta, and more.
Watch For Signs of Spoilage
To determine if your Aidells chicken sausages have gone bad, watch for:
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Slimy texture or sticky surface
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Grey, dull or unusual color
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Mold growth – discard immediately if you see this!
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Strong unpleasant or sour smell
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Weird bulging or shriveling packaging
When in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions on the shelf life of Aidells chicken sausages? Here are some common FAQs:
How can I tell if frozen Aidells sausages are still good?
Check for ice crystals, freezer burn or frost. If the sausages have been frozen continuously at 0°F, they should be safe even if past the use-by date.
Can I cook and refreeze fully cooked Aidells sausages?
It’s not recommended. Refreezing can lead to further moisture loss and textural changes. Cook sausages from frozen state only.
Do the chicken apple sausages last as long as the seasoned chicken?
Generally yes, the shelf life is similar for both varieties if following the same storage guidelines. Always go by the dates on the specific package.
If vacuum-sealed, do Aidells chicken sausages last longer?
Vacuum-sealing can extend shelf life by a few days or weeks since it removes oxygen. But always rely on the package dates as your guide for freshness.
The Bottom Line
With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can enjoy the signature flavors and convenience of Aidells chicken sausages for their maximum shelf life. Always inspect before cooking and don’t hesitate to discard them if you notice any odd changes.
More about this item
Aidells® Fully Cooked Smoked Chicken and Apple Chicken Sausage Links are a fun way to change up your menu. They are made with tender chicken, real apples, and tasty fruit juices for a sweet and savory bite. The natural casing dinner links are already cooked, which speeds up the time it takes to serve and improves food safety in the kitchen. They can also be kept warm for up to four hours to make the product last longer.
- Your back-of-the-house staff will save time and effort by working with fully cooked food, and food safety concerns will go down.
- You can give customers the variety they want at all times of the day with a unique flavor combination.
- 4 oz serving appeals to patrons seeking a larger serving.
Chicken, chicken broth, and dried apples all have 2% or less of the following ingredients: fruit juice concentrate (apple, pineapple, pear, and peach), salt, spices, celery powder, and sea salt. Stuffed in a natural pork casing.