Vacuum sealing is one of the best ways to preserve chicken and extend its shelf life. But how long does vacuum sealed chicken actually last? This comprehensive guide will give you the nitty-gritty details on the shelf life of vacuum sealed chicken in the fridge and freezer.
An Overview of Vacuum Sealing Chicken
Vacuum sealing removes oxygen from food packaging. This inhibits the growth of bacteria and slows down spoilage It works by placing chicken in an air-tight bag and extracting all the air from it before sealing shut
The lack of oxygen creates an anaerobic environment. With oxygen removed, aerobic bacteria can’t thrive. This is key, as aerobic bacteria play a big role in food spoilage.
While anaerobic bacteria like Clostridium botulinum can still grow without air, proper refrigeration prevents this. So vacuum sealing chicken buys you more time, but temperature control is still crucial.
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Chicken Last?
The shelf life of vacuum sealed chicken depends on storage temperature:
- In the fridge: 1-2 weeks
- In the freezer: 9-12 months
These timeframes assume proper, consistent temperatures are maintained:
- Fridge: 40°F or below
- Freezer: 0°F or below
Fluctuating temperatures shorten shelf life. Going above 40°F too often causes spoilage bacteria to grow
Let’s look at vacuum sealed chicken shelf life in more detail:
Fridge Life
- Properly stored in the fridge, vacuum sealed chicken lasts 1-2 weeks longer than without vacuum sealing.
- Whole chickens can last a bit over 2 weeks.
- Chicken breasts or thighs may start deteriorating in texture and moisture around 1 week.
Freezer Life
- In a 0°F freezer, vacuum sealed chicken lasts 9-12 months.
- Whole chickens maintain quality for about 12 months.
- Chicken thighs or breasts start suffering freezer burn around 9 months.
So the freezer preserves vacuum sealed chicken significantly longer. But proper storage and handling techniques are still essential.
Proper Storage Guidelines
To get the most shelf life out of vacuum sealed chicken:
- Refrigerate immediately after vacuum sealing.
- Freeze as quickly as possible (prevents large ice crystals forming).
- Maintain a consistent fridge temp under 40°F.
- Keep freezer at 0°F or below (no fluctuations).
- Use freezer-safe bags to prevent cracking.
- Thaw in the fridge, not room temp.
Also remember to label bags with the sealing date and inspect before use.
How To Tell If Vacuum Sealed Chicken Is Bad
Don’t rely just on use-by dates. Make sure to inspect vacuum sealed chicken before cooking. Check for:
- Off-odor – If it smells bad, it’s bad. Toss it.
- Slimy texture – Indicates bacterial growth. Discard it.
- Odd coloring – Some darkening is normal, but green/grey hues signal spoilage.
- Broken seal or bloating – Immediate red flag. Do not eat.
If in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk getting sick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about how long vacuum sealed chicken lasts? Here are some common FAQs:
Can I refreeze thawed chicken?
Only if thawed properly in the fridge at 40°F or below. If left at room temp during thawing, do not refreeze. Quality will likely suffer a bit anyway.
What does the “use by” date on packaging mean?
It’s the manufacturer’s estimate for peak quality, not a hard safety cutoff. Vacuum sealing extends this date. But still inspect chicken before cooking after that date.
Can vacuum sealed chicken go bad if the seal is intact?
Yes it can. Anaerobic bacteria may still grow slowly. Enzymatic reactions still occur. Proper fridge/freezer temps are still critical. Never rely on seal alone.
Is it safe to cook frozen vacuum sealed chicken?
Cooking from frozen is generally safe, though texture may suffer in certain cooking methods. Significantly increase cook times. Make sure the internal temp reaches 165°F.
What if I eat spoiled vacuum sealed chicken?
You risk food poisoning with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever. Can be life-threatening for those with compromised immune systems. So always inspect before cooking.
How can I tell if my vacuum sealer is working?
A properly working vacuum sealer will remove almost all air from the bag and seal it airtight. Test it by sealing an empty bag and seeing if any air escapes when gently squeezed.
Should I buy vacuum sealed chicken or seal it myself?
Sealing yourself lets you control for quality and portion sizes. But pre-packed can be more convenient. Consider your priorities and buying/cooking habits.
The Takeaway on Vacuum Sealed Chicken Shelf Life
Vacuum sealing chicken can significantly extend its shelf life compared to traditional storage methods. Refrigerated, it lasts 1-2 weeks longer. Frozen, it remains good for 9-12 months.
But maintaining proper, constant temperatures is still critical for food safety and quality. Be diligent about storage guidelines. Always inspect chicken before use and discard at any signs of spoilage.
With the right techniques, vacuum sealing gives you more leeway in meal planning and reduces waste. But sound judgment about chicken freshness overrides any use-by dates. Use your senses, adhere to food safety principles, and enjoy your perfectly preserved poultry.
How to vacuum pack chicken meat?
Vacuum food packing is effortless. Unfortunately, many people fail this process because they do not use the right equipment. There are home methods of vacuum packing food, but they are usually ineffective. Therefore, before you vacuum pack your chicken, get the necessary accessories. The ideal choice is a vacuum food sealer. Such a device will allow you to suck the air out and heat the package.
Additionally, you will need a special foil or bags for packaging. They should be of good quality. Be sure to check if they are made of BPA-free plastic.
Suppose you have all the necessary components. You can then proceed to vacuum pack the chicken. First, pay attention to the freshness of the meat. If it has already started to break down, there is no point in packing it. It is impossible to undo the process of spoilage.
Before you vacuum packs the chicken, its a good idea to divide it into portions. Why? Because if you pack a whole chicken, some air may be left in its chest. In this case, the meat will spoil faster. Whats more, it will be easier to open small portions of chicken you need for a meal than to open the whole chicken right away. Before vacuum packing, you can also pre-cook the chicken meat; for example, boil or bake it.
When the chicken is ready, place it on foil or in a wrapping bag. The next step is to remove the air from the packaging. This is best done with a food vacuum sealer. The last step is to seal the package tightly. The most effective method of closing a vacuum package is welding its edges.
How long is vacuum sealed chicken good for eating?
How long your chicken will last for consumption depends on how you pack it and where you store it. Lets start with raw meat. If you vacuum pack raw chicken, you can refrigerate it for up to four days. We know some people love jerky. However, remember that putting a chicken in the oven is not the same as keeping it in the fridge. You should consume vacuum-packed and dried marinated chicken within 24 hours (maximum 36 hours, depending on the condition of the meat). Of course, you can also store the vacuum-packed raw chicken in the freezer. In that case, you can keep it for about nine months and sometimes even a year.
Some people prefer to vacuum-pack chicken meat that has already been cooked. One option is to bake the chicken. Such meat, after vacuum packing, can be stored for up to four days. The same is true for cooked chicken. After vacuum packing, it is also suitable for consumption within three to four days. Vacuum-packed chicken smoked and placed in the freezer can be stored the longest. Then it may be good for consumption within a month.