Deli chicken, also known as lunch meat or cold cuts is a convenient and tasty addition to sandwiches, wraps salads and more. However, like all perishable foods, it has a limited shelf life. Knowing how to properly store deli chicken and how long it lasts can help prevent foodborne illness. This complete guide provides everything you need to know about the shelf life and proper storage of deli chicken.
Types of Deli Chicken
There are a few main types of deli chicken available at grocery stores and delis
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Freshly sliced deli chicken – Chicken that is sliced fresh at the deli counter. This has the shortest shelf life of deli chicken options.
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Pre-packaged chicken – Sliced or lunch meat style chicken that comes sealed in packaging, Often contains preservatives for longer shelf life,
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Whole rotisserie chicken – A hot and ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken. Can be stored for later use.
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Sliced chicken breast – Fully cooked sliced chicken breast.
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Raw chicken – Raw chicken parts sold in the deli case. Has the shortest shelf life and must be cooked before eating.
The shelf life depends on the specific type of deli chicken.
How Long Does Deli Chicken Last?
The shelf life of deli chicken depends on whether it is sealed, opened, fresh or frozen. Here are the general guidelines:
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Freshly sliced deli chicken – Lasts for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
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Pre-packaged, unopened – Lasts for 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge.
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Pre-packaged, opened – Lasts for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
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Cooked, whole chicken – Lasts for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
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Raw chicken – Lasts for 1 to 2 days in the fridge.
The fridge temperature should be set to 40°F or below for proper food safety. Freezing deli chicken can significantly extend its shelf life.
Proper Storage of Deli Chicken
To get the maximum shelf life out of deli chicken, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips:
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Refrigerate deli chicken right away after purchasing.
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Keep deli chicken tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. This prevents drying out.
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Place deli chicken on a plate or bowl on the bottom shelf of the fridge, which is the coldest area.
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Keep deli chicken away from raw meats which can cross-contaminate.
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Make sure your fridge temperature is 40°F or below. Use a thermometer to check.
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Follow “use-by” dates on packaging. Use opened packages within 3 to 5 days.
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Freeze deli chicken in airtight packaging for longer shelf life of 1 to 2 months.
Proper refrigeration and freezing are the best ways to prolong the shelf life and safety of deli chicken.
How to Tell if Deli Chicken is Bad
Deli chicken that has gone bad can make you sick, so it’s important to know the signs of spoiled chicken:
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Slimy or sticky texture – Spoiled chicken will develop a slimy coating.
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Discoloration – Gray, green or blue colors indicate spoilage.
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Off smell – Bad chicken gives off a sour, unpleasant odor.
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Mold – Presence of mold, fuzzy growth or black spots.
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Expired date – Chicken passed the use-by date is likely bad.
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Freezer burn – Dry, brown leathery spots if frozen too long.
When in doubt, remember the old saying: “When in doubt, throw it out!” Discard deli chicken if you notice any signs of spoilage.
Safety Tips for Deli Chicken
To enjoy deli chicken safely, be sure to follow these food safety guidelines:
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Discard deli chicken left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
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Defrost frozen chicken in the fridge, not on the counter.
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Cook raw chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Avoid cross-contamination by separating raw chicken from other foods.
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Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
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Use deli chicken within 3 to 5 days of opening the package.
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Check “sell-by” and “use-by” dates and follow them.
Following proper food handling and storage techniques helps prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is freshly sliced deli chicken good for?
Freshly sliced deli chicken will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. For best quality, use within 3 days.
How long can I keep an unopened package of deli chicken?
An unopened package of pre-packaged deli chicken has a shelf life around 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. Be sure to check expiration dates.
What is the freezer shelf life of deli chicken?
Properly stored deli chicken frozen at 0°F or below can last in the freezer for 1 to 2 months. Use freezer bags or airtight containers.
Can I freeze deli chicken after opening the package?
Yes, you can safely freeze deli chicken for 1 to 2 months after opening the package, if it has been refrigerated and used within the 3 to 5 day window.
What temperature should I store deli chicken at?
For both quality and safety, deli chicken should be stored at 40°F or below in the refrigerator. The freezer temperature should be 0°F or below.
How do you thaw frozen deli chicken safely?
Thaw frozen deli chicken in the refrigerator overnight. You can also submerge it in cold water in an airtight bag and thaw in the fridge. Never thaw at room temp.
The Bottom Line
Deli chicken can be a tasty and convenient meal ingredient. But like any perishable food, it requires proper storage and handling. Freshly sliced deli chicken lasts just 3 to 5 days in the fridge. An unopened package can go 1 to 2 weeks. Frozen deli chicken keeps for 1 to 2 months. Always refrigerate chicken right away and check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Following safe food handling practices helps prevent foodborne illness from deli chicken.
How long is deli meat good for?
Official recommendations say deli-sliced or store-prepared lunch meat should be consumed within three to five days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, any opened vacuum-packets of sliced lunch meat should be consumed within three to five days. Unopened packets should be consumed within two weeks, the USDA recommends.
These recommendations run on the contingency that you’ve taken the steps to ensure the safe storage of deli meat. “What is critical is how the deli meat is conserved,” says Dr. Stephanie Seveau, PhD, a professor of microbial infection and immunity at The Ohio State University School of Medicine. Deli meat should be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the USDA.
After you’ve purchased any type of sliced lunch meat, be sure to refrigerate it immediately once you get home. If the deli meat is left out for a few hours “at a temperature that favors bacterial growth,” there will be risks to consuming it, Seveau says.
How can I tell if deli meat has gone bad?
Theres a few telltale signs that may indicate it’s time to discard an open packet of deli meat. Do not consume the meat if you notice any suspicious changes to its smell or appearance. For example, you should discard the meat if it is emanating an unpleasant smell, if a viscous, sticky film appears on it, or if there is mold growth, Seveau says.
However, it is important to note that there won’t always be visible indications of bacterial growth on deli meat. Listeria growth, for example, often does not have any smell, Seveau says.
For this reason, always be sure to discard deli meat that has been open for more than five days, per USDA recommendations. Additionally, discard the meat if it is past the expiration date, Seveau says.