Maximizing Freshness: The Shelf Life of Boar’s Head Chicken Sausage

Boar’s Head produces premium deli meats, cheeses, and sausages, setting high standards for quality and freshness. Their chicken sausages make quick, delicious meals, but like any perishable food, proper storage is key. So how long do unopened and opened packages of Boar’s Head chicken sausage last?

This guide covers how to maximize chicken sausage shelf life through proper storage methods. We’ll also look at signs of spoilage, freezer storage times, and tips to enjoy Boar’s Head chicken sausage at peak freshness.

How Long Does Sealed Boar’s Head Chicken Sausage Last?

An unopened package of Boar’s Head chicken sausage has the following refrigerator shelf life

• Fresh chicken sausage links or patties: Use by the sell-by date printed on the packaging (typically 14-21 days from the packaging date).

• Pre-cooked chicken sausage Up to 2-3 weeks past the sell-by date, as long as kept 40°F or below.

Sealed, unopened chicken sausage stays fresh for the timeframe listed on the packaging when stored in the fridge. For maximum shelf life, store sausage packs on a lower fridge shelf and check that your refrigerator temp is set to 40°F or below.

How Long Does Opened Chicken Sausage Last?

Once opened, Boar’s Head chicken sausage has a shorter shelf life. Follow these guidelines:

• Fresh, raw sausage links/patties: 3-5 days after opening

• Fully cooked chicken sausage: 5-7 days after opening

The clock starts ticking faster once exposed to air and microbes. For best quality, use opened fresh chicken sausage within 3 days and cooked links within 5 days.

Properly stored, opened chicken sausage lasts up to 1 week in the refrigerator before quality suffers. Discard any off-smelling, sticky, or slimy sausage past that point.

Does Boar’s Head Chicken Sausage Expire?

Yes, Boar’s Head chicken sausage does eventually expire and is not safe to eat an unlimited time. Always check the sell-by or use-by date printed on the packaging prior to consuming.

Do not eat expired chicken sausage, even if it looks and smells normal. Sausage past its date may contain harmful bacteria without visual cues. When in doubt, throw it out.

For optimal freshness and flavor, use chicken sausage by the recommended sell-by or use-by date. But never consume expired sausage.

How to Store Boar’s Head Chicken Sausage

Storing chicken sausage properly is key to maintaining freshness and shelf life. Here are some storage tips:

• Keep sausage refrigerated at all times, at 40°F or below. Do not leave sausage at room temperature more than 2 hours.

• Seal opened packages tightly or transfer sausage to airtight containers. Remove excess air.

• Use oldest chicken sausage first. Check dates and rotate accordingly.

• Divide large packages into smaller portions to limit air exposure when opening.

• Do not re-freeze thawed frozen sausage. Cook or consume within 3-4 days.

Following proper refrigeration guidelines optimizes chicken sausage shelf life after opening.

Freezing Boar’s Head Chicken Sausage

For extended storage, Boar’s Head chicken sausage can be frozen in an airtight freezer bag or container. Follow these freezing guidelines:

• Freeze sausage in original packaging up to 2 weeks past sell-by date.

• Already opened sausage can be frozen for 2-3 months. Portion into freezer bags or containers first.

• Thaw frozen sausage overnight in the refrigerator.

• Cook thawed sausage within 3-4 days for best quality. Do not refreeze.

Frozen chicken sausage stored at 0°F maintains optimal quality for 2-3 months before drying out or losing flavor. Avoid freezing sausage past the sell-by date where possible.

How to Tell If Chicken Sausage Is Bad

Check Boar’s Head chicken sausage for these signs of spoilage before eating:

• Sliminess or stickiness

• Unusual dark or gray coloration

• Off odors like sourness or ammonia

• Mold growth – discard sausage at first sign

• Dry, cracked, or stiff texture

• Expired sell-by or use-by dates

Expired or spoiled chicken sausage may contain harmful bacteria. When in doubt, do not taste test questionable sausage. Properly discard sausage that displays any odd textures, colors, or smells.

Chicken Sausage Handling and Cooking Safety

When working with raw chicken sausage:

• Wash hands, utensils, sinks after contact with raw sausage.

• Keep raw sausage separate from other foods.

• Cook sausage patties or links to 165°F minimum internal temperature.

• Refrigerate cooked sausage within 2 hours, divide into shallow containers.

• Reheat cooked sausage to 165°F before serving.

Practicing food safety reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Handle raw chicken sausage carefully and cook thoroughly before consuming for maximum safety.

FAQs About Boar’s Head Chicken Sausage

How can you tell if chicken sausage is still good?

Check the sell-by date and inspect sausage for sliminess, stickiness, odor, or odd color changes. Never taste expired or questionable chicken sausage.

Can you freeze Boar’s Head chicken sausage?

Yes, Boar’s Head chicken sausage can be frozen for 2-3 months in an airtight freezer bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.

What is the best way to store opened chicken sausage?

For opened packages, rewrap chicken sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate in shallow airtight containers, using oldest sausage first.

How do you thaw frozen Boar’s Head chicken sausage?

Thaw frozen sausage slowly in the refrigerator, allowing 12-24 hours. Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water. Cook thawed sausage within 3-4 days.

Can you eat chicken sausage while pregnant?

Yes, fully cooked chicken sausage is safe during pregnancy. Ensure sausage is fresh and cooked to minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid undercooked sausage.

The Bottom Line

With proper refrigeration and handling, Boar’s Head premium chicken sausage stays fresh and flavorful up to 7 days after opening. Follow sell-by dates, monitor for spoilage, and freeze for longer storage. Using optimal storage and food safety practices, you can fully enjoy the quality and convenience of Boar’s Head chicken sausage.