Chicken is one of the most popular meats that people buy to cook and eat at home It’s versatile, inexpensive, and a great source of protein. However, raw chicken is also highly perishable and needs to be handled properly to avoid foodborne illness So how long can you safely store raw chicken in the refrigerator before it goes bad?
Overview of Raw Chicken Storage
In general, raw chicken that has been continuously refrigerated can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 days from the date of purchase. However, there are a few factors that can affect exactly how long it stays fresh
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Type of chicken – Whole chickens last slightly longer than chicken parts. Boneless skinless chicken breasts have the shortest shelf life.
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Packaging – Chicken left in its original airtight packaging will last longer than chicken repackaged in a less protective wrap.
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Temperature – Raw chicken stored at a consistent 40°F or below will keep longer than chicken left to fluctuate in temperature.
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Freezer storage – Raw chicken parts can be frozen for 9 months while a whole chicken can be frozen for up to one year for maximum freshness.
Signs Raw Chicken Has Gone Bad
Even when stored properly in the refrigerator, raw chicken can still go bad within the recommended 1-2 day timeframe. Here are some telltale signs that indicate your raw chicken has spoiled and should be thrown out:
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Slimy or sticky texture – Spoiled chicken will have a noticeable slick, sticky or tacky feel.
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Strange odor – Raw chicken that has gone rancid will have an unpleasant, sour smell.
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Change in color – The flesh will change from pink to gray, green or yellow when chicken has spoiled.
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Slimy packaging – Chicken juices mixing with air can cause a foul odor and slimy package leaking pinkish liquid.
If you notice any of these signs, err on the side of caution and discard the raw chicken.
Proper Handling for Freshness
To help your raw chicken last as long as possible in the fridge without spoiling, follow these tips:
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Purchase chicken before any other groceries so it spends less time at unsafe temperatures.
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Check “sell by” and “use by” dates and pick packages with the latest dates.
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Avoid pre-marinated chicken, which has a shorter shelf life. Opt for fresh chicken and marinate it yourself.
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Store chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator at 40°F or below soon after coming home from the grocery store.
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Keep chicken tightly wrapped in its original packaging or an airtight container.
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Use within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and food safety. Don’t rely only on scent or appearance.
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Freeze extra chicken right away if you can’t use within recommended timeframe.
What the Dates on Packaging Mean
Raw chicken packages have two types of expiration date labels that can cause confusion:
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“Sell by” date – Tells the store when to remove chicken from shelves. You can still store chicken for 1-2 days past this date.
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“Use by/Best by” date – Recommends when chicken will be at peak quality. You can store for up to 2 days past this date as long as there are no signs of spoilage.
The USDA does not require “use by/best by” dates but they are helpful guidelines for potential shelf life. Always examine raw chicken for other signs of spoilage no matter what date is printed on the package.
The Bottom Line
Raw chicken should only be kept in the refrigerator 1-2 days maximum. Monitor temperature, packaging and signs of spoilage closely. Do not depend on dates alone to determine if raw chicken is safe. When in doubt, throw it out! Proper storage and handling is key to prevent illness from eating spoiled chicken. Follow these tips to keep your raw chicken fresh.
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.
Can I eat chicken that’s been in the fridge for more than two days?
The USDA recommends not storing raw chicken in the fridge for more than two days. From our experience, three to four days should be OK, provided youre within the use-by or sell-by date. Beyond this, avoid consuming the chicken.
How Long Can Raw Chicken Stay in the Fridge?
FAQ
Is 3 days too long for raw chicken?
Key Takeaways: Fridge Storage: Raw chicken can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. Freezer Storage: Raw chicken pieces last up to 9 months in the freezer; whole chickens up to 1 year.
Is chicken ok after 4 days in the fridge?
Can I eat 5 day old chicken from the fridge?
Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. To detect if chicken has gone bad, check the “best if used by” date and look for signs of spoilage like changes in smell, texture, and color. Avoid eating spoiled chicken, as it can cause food poisoning — even if you cook it thoroughly.
How can you tell if raw chicken has gone bad?