How long will chicken last in the refrigerator
Chicken is a staple food in many households.
The nutritious and delicious food is susceptible to bacterial contamination. It is essential to prepare it, store it, and cook it properly to prevent food-borne illness.
The ease of keeping chickens in your fridge is easy however, many people are concerned what the security of chicken in the refrigerator.
This article will help you understand just how long chicken lasts in your refrigerator.
How long will chicken be kept in the refrigerator?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, raw chicken can last up to a couple of days in the refrigerator. Raw turkey and other poultry are equally suitable to receive the same treatment.
In the meantime, the chikem that has been cooked can be stored for 3 to 4 days in the fridge
Storing chicken in the refrigerator can slow the growth of bacterial. Bacteria tend to grow slower at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
Also, keep raw chicken in a closed container to prevent any liquids from spilling out and contaminating other food items. Keep cooked chicken refrigerated in an airtight bag.
If you're looking to store your chicken for more than a few days, it's best to store it in your freezer.
Raw chicken can be kept frozen for upto 9 months. A whole chicken could last for up to one and two and a half years. The freezer can store chicken that has been cooked for up to six months.
SUMMARY
Raw chicken can last up to 2 days in the fridge and cooked chicken may last for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
How to tell if chicken has gone bad
It's possible that the chicken has gone bad If it's been kept in the fridge for longer days than it's needed.
Here are some signs that your chicken is not excellent:
It's beyond the "best before" date. Cooked or raw chicken that has not been used before the "best by" dates is more likely to spoil.
Color changes. Raw and cooked chicken that's beginning to turn gray-green is going bad. The spots of gray-green mold are a sign of an increase in bacterial activity.
The smell. Both chicken cooked raw and cooked emit an acidic aroma that resembles ammonia. However, this scent may be difficult to detect in the event that the chicken has been marinated in sauces, herbs or spices.
Texture. A chicken with slimy texture could have gone bad. Rinsing chicken doesn't kill bacteria. Instead, it can spread the bacteria from poultry to other food items dishes, surfaces, and utensils and cause cross-contamination.
If you suspect that the chicken in your fridge is rotten take it out of the fridge and throw it away.
Summary
If chicken is stale and its color begins to fade, it will be sour, acidic, or slimy smell.
What are the dangers of eating chicken that has been spoiled?
The consumption of spoiled meat can trigger foodborne illness. How to keep leftover chicken without going bad is also known as food poisoning.
Since chickens can be infected, it is at high risk for food poisoning.
This bacteria is usually eliminated after fresh chicken has been cooked properly.
Avoid cooking or eating spoiled chicken. Although cooking and reheating could kill some bacteria that are on the surface of the food, it's not enough to remove the toxins from bacteria. This could lead to food poisoning.
Food poisoning may cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms such as a high fever (above 101.5" or 38.6degC), nausea vomiting, diarrhea bloody stool, and dehydration.
Sometimes, severe food poisoning can need hospitalization, or even death.
You shouldn't take a bite of your chicken if suspect it is spoilt. It is best to throw away any chicken that is bad.
SUMMARY
Food poisoning can result from eating chicken that has been spoiled even if it's properly cooked.
The bottom line
Raw chicken is kept in the fridge for about 1-2 days while cooked chicken keeps for 3-4 days.
To determine if the chicken is going bad, check the "best used by" date. Look for indicators of spoilage, like changes in smell or texture.
It is best to avoid eating rotten chicken.
