How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge? Tips for Safe Storage

Chicken is a popular source of protein that many people enjoy. However, it’s important to store chicken properly in the fridge to prevent it from turning bad.

So, how long can chicken last in the fridge? The answer depends on several factors such as the type of chicken, temperature of the fridge, and packaging. Generally, raw chicken can last in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, while cooked chicken can last for up to 4 days.

By following proper storage and safety tips, you can help ensure the quality and safety of your chicken. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of chicken, their shelf life in the fridge, and provide tips for safe storage to ensure your chicken stays fresh and safe to eat.

What Factors Affect the Shelf Life of Chicken in the Fridge?

When it comes to storing chicken in the fridge, there are many different factors that can affect the shelf life of chicken when kept in fridge. Understanding these factors can help you keep your chicken fresh and safe to eat for a longer period of time as eating spoiled chicken can be very harmful for your health and body.

1. Temperature:

Keeping the temperature of your fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) is important to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the chicken, which can cause food poisoning and other foodborne illness. If your fridge or freezer is too warm, the bacteria in the stored chicken can multiply rapidly, making it bad to eat.

It is a good idea to manually set the temperature of your fridge to 40°F or less, or use a thermometer to check the temperature of your fridge regularly.

2. Type of Chicken:

The type of chicken you have also plays a vital role when it comes to its shelf life. A raw chicken typically has a shorter shelf life than a cooked chicken when kept in a fridge due to the higher risk of bacterial contamination.

A chicken mince or ground chicken, which has been exposed to more surface area, has a shorter shelf life when compared with whole cuts of chicken. Deli chicken, which has already been cooked and sliced, can last longer than raw or ground chicken if properly stored in fridge.

3. Packaging of Chicken:

The way how your chicken is packed can also affect its shelf life when stored in a fridge. If chicken is stored in its original packaging, it can last longer than the repacked one. However, if the packaging is damaged, the risk of contamination is increased.

It is important to check the packaging of your chicken before buying and storing it in the fridge or freezer. You can transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag if needed.

Also Read About: How Long Does Kefir Last and How To Check If It Is Bad

How Long Can Raw Chicken Last in the Fridge?

Raw chicken can last in the fridge for up to 3-5 days if stored properly. To ensure that your raw chicken stay good for a longer period of time, you should always store raw chicken it in the fridge or freezer in its original packaging and that too on the bottom shelf of your fridge.

If you have opened the packaging then try to transfer your chicken in an airtight container or resealable bag as soon as possible to prevent it from getting contaminated and extend its shelf life.

How Long Can Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?

A cooked chicken can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days when stored properly, but there are a few factors that can affect its shelf life even when stored in the fridge. To keep your cooked chicken fresh for a longer period of time, try to store it in an airtight container in your fridge.

Before storing it in the fridge make sure that your cooked chicken is completely cooled down because when cooked chicken is stored in the fridge then it can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Also, if you have a lot of leftover chicken, consider putting it in small portions and then storing them separately to make the reheating easier.

Also Read About: Best Low Sodium Fast Food Options To Try

How Long Can Ground Chicken Last in the Fridge?

A ground chicken can last in the fridge for up to 1-2 days, but there are a few factors that can affect its shelf life. Ground chicken is a tasty and healthy alternative to ground beef in food items which include any 1 of burgers, meatballs, and tacos.

To keep your ground chicken fresh and reusable for a longer period of time, it is important to cook it at a proper temperature. You should always make sure to cook your ground chicken at 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is properly cooked and all harmful bacteria are killed.

Once your ground chicken is cooked, you should let it cool down before putting it in a airtight jar or container and then storing it in the fridge.

How Long Can Deli Chicken Last in the Fridge?

Deli chicken is a tasty ingredient which you can put in your sandwich, chicken salad, and other dishes. There are many different factors which can affect the shelf life of a deli chicken but on an average, if stored properly, a deli chicken can last for 3-5 days in the fridge.

You should always wrap the deli chicken either in a plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent air from getting inside and causing the chicken to dry out. Try to keep the packed deli chicken in the bottom shelf of your fridge as it is the coldest part of your fridge.

Also, you should check for the manufacturing and expiration dates labelled on the packet of deli chicken when purchasing it. Pick the one which has a few weeks left as per the expiry date.

How Long Can Rotisserie Chicken Last in the Fridge?

A rotisserie chicken is a very popular option for those who don’t have enough time to cook a whole chicken by themselves. But it is important to know that a rotisserie chicken can only last for up to 4 days and that too if stored properly in a fridge or freezer.

To increase the shelf life of your leftover rotisserie chicken, try storing it in an airtight container, set the temperature of your fridge to 40°F or below, and try to keep the packed chicken in freezer (if possible).

How Long Does Packaged Chicken Last in the Fridge?

A packaged chicken usually includes whole chickens, chicken wings, thighs, breast pieces, etc, and their shelf life depends on different factors like temperature, chicken type, etc. In general, a raw packaged chicken can last up to 1-2 days while cooked packaged chicken can last for up to 3-4 days.

Also Read About: Surprising Health Benefits of Turmeric and Cayenne Pepper

How to Freeze Chicken for Later Use?

Freezing a chicken is a very excellent way to extend its shelf life. To freeze chicken for later use, make sure that the chicken is still fresh. Then wrap it properly with a freezer paper in an airtight container. You can even put a label on the frozen chicken for easy tracking in future.

A raw chicken can last up to 9 months in the freezer (in some cases even up to a year), while a cooked chicken can last up to 6 months in the freezer.

Is Chicken Safe After 5 Days in Fridge?

No, it is not safe to eat any type of chicken that has been kept in your fridge for 5 days or more. The maximum and the recommended storage time for a raw chicken in the fridge is 2 days, while cooked chicken can last for up to 4 days.

Final Words

Storing chicken in the right way is essential for maintaining its freshness and safety. To ensure your chicken stays safe, make sure to store it properly in an airtight container or resealable bag. Raw chicken can last up to 3-5 days, cooked chicken up to 3-4 days, ground chicken 1-2 days and deli chicken about 3-5 days when stored correctly.

Also remember to check the manufacturing date before buying any type of packaged raw poultry product as this will help you determine how much time you have left until expiration.

With these tips in mind, you can be confident that your family’s meals are always made with delicious and safe ingredients!