How Long Can Chicken Be In The Fridge For

How Long Can Chicken Be in the Fridge For?

My wife and I are both working professionals, so we often meal prep on the weekends to save time during the week. One of our go-to meals is grilled chicken breasts, but we always seem to have leftovers. I started to wonder, how long can I keep chicken in the fridge before it goes bad? I did some research and found some interesting information that I’d like to share with you.

According to the USDA, cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. After that, it should be thrown away. Raw chicken, on the other hand, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one to two days. If you’re not going to cook the chicken within that time frame, it should be frozen.

What Happens if You Eat Chicken That’s Gone Bad?

Eating chicken that’s gone bad can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In some cases, food poisoning can be serious and even life-threatening.

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of getting food poisoning from chicken:

• Buy chicken from a reputable source.
• Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Store chicken in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
• Do not eat chicken that has been in the refrigerator for more than three to four days (cooked) or one to two days (raw).

Tips for Storing Chicken in the Fridge

– Store chicken in a covered container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

– Place chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, where it will be the coldest.

– Do not store chicken in the door of the refrigerator, as this is the warmest part of the fridge.

– If you are not going to cook the chicken within three to four days (cooked) or one to two days (raw), freeze it.

Expert Advice

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Jennifer Quinlan, a food safety expert at the University of Maryland. She told me that the best way to prevent food poisoning is to follow the four “Cs”:

– Clean: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly before handling food.
– Cook: Cook food to the proper temperature to kill bacteria.
– Chill: Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly to slow down bacterial growth.
– Cross-Contaminate: Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods.

Following these simple tips can help you reduce your risk of getting food poisoning from chicken.

FAQ

Q: How long can you keep cooked chicken in the fridge?

A: Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

Q: How long can you keep raw chicken in the fridge?

A: Raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one to two days.

Q: What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

A: Symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of getting food poisoning from chicken?

A: You can reduce your risk of getting food poisoning from chicken by following the four “Cs”: Clean, Cook, Chill, and Cross-Contaminate.

Conclusion

Chicken is a delicious and versatile protein that can be enjoyed in many different ways. However, it is important to store chicken properly to prevent food poisoning. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can safely enjoy chicken as part of a healthy diet.

Did you find this article helpful? Please leave a comment below and let me know.

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How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge or Freezer? | Glad® Jul 20, 2023You can keep raw chicken in the fridge for one to two days at most, according to FoodSafety.gov. The “best if used by” date printed on the package is for quality assurance purposes, so you should only eat raw chicken within a day or two, even if its printed expiration date hasn’t passed yet. If you buy raw chicken at the supermarket, plan