Chicken is a very delicate meat. You have to be able to deal with it not only when preparing it but also when storing it. Surely youve put a chicken in the fridge more than once and found it broken the next day. How to prevent it? We recommend vacuum-packing the chicken!.
Vacuum sealing is one of the best ways to extend the shelf life of chicken and other meats But exactly how long does chicken last when stored this way? Let’s take a closer look,
Why Vacuum Seal Chicken?
Chicken tends to spoil quickly when stored in the refrigerator or freezer using traditional methods like plastic wrap or zipper bags That’s because oxygen can still penetrate the packaging and allow bacteria to grow
Before sealing, vacuum sealing takes the air out of the package, making an airtight barrier that keeps food from going bad and freezer burn. It stops leaks, keeps the flavor in, and makes chicken last a lot longer.
Shelf Life of Raw Chicken
The shelf life of raw chicken depends on a few factors:
- Storage temperature – Freezer preserves chicken longer than refrigerator
- Packaging – Vacuum sealing extends shelf life significantly
- Chicken part – Whole chicken lasts longer than pieces
Here are the shelf lives of raw chicken stored using different methods:
| Raw Chicken | Refrigerator | Freezer | Vacuum Sealed Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Chicken | 1-2 days | 9 months | 2-3 years |
| Chicken Breasts | 1-2 days | 9 months | 2-3 years |
| Chicken Thighs | 1-2 days | 9 months | 2-3 years |
| Chicken Legs | 1-2 days | 9 months | 2-3 years |
| Ground Chicken | 1-2 days | 3-4 months | 1 year |
As you can see, vacuum sealing can make raw chicken last up to 3 times longer in the freezer compared to traditional freezer storage.
Signs Raw Chicken Has Spoiled
It’s important to check your vacuum sealed chicken periodically to ensure it has not spoiled. Here are some signs raw chicken has gone bad:
- Slimy texture
- Graying color
- Foul, unpleasant odor
- Discoloration or dark spots
- Slimy package interior
If you see any of these, you should throw away the chicken. When in doubt, throw it out.
Shelf Life of Cooked Chicken
Cooked chicken also benefits greatly from vacuum sealing. Here is how long cooked chicken lasts with different storage methods:
| Cooked Chicken | Refrigerator | Freezer | Vacuum Sealed Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken pieces | 3-4 days | 4-6 months | 1-2 years |
| Shredded chicken | 3-4 days | 4-6 months | 1-2 years |
| Chicken soup/stew | 3-4 days | 4-6 months | 1-2 years |
Vacuum sealing cooked chicken can extend its freezer life up to 4 times longer than traditional storage.
How to Vacuum Seal Chicken
Follow these simple steps for properly vacuum sealing chicken:
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Moisture speeds spoilage.
- Place chicken in vacuum sealer bag, allowing at least 3 inches of space at the top.
- Vacuum seal bag according to appliance instructions, ensuring a tight seal.
- Label bag with contents and date.
- Freeze bag flat to maximize freezer space.
Thawing and Reheating Vacuum Sealed Chicken
Always thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. This helps prevent bacterial growth.
To thaw, place bag in refrigerator 24-48 hours before needed. Putting the bag in cold water and changing the water every 30 minutes will help it thaw faster.
Reheat cooked vacuum sealed chicken to 165°F. Use microwave, stovetop, or oven. Discard any chicken not reheated within 1-2 days after thawing.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these food safety guidelines when working with raw chicken:
- Sanitize countertops, utensils, and hands after contact with raw chicken
- Never reuse packaging raw chicken was stored in for other foods
- Never refrigerate or freeze chicken above 40°F for more than 2 hours
- Cook chicken within 1-2 days of thawing (never refreeze raw chicken)
- Only reheat cooked chicken once after thawing
The Bottom Line
Vacuum sealing makes raw chicken last up to 3 times longer and cooked chicken up to 4 times longer compared to traditional freezer storage.
For maximum freshness and safety, pat chicken dry before sealing, allow space for expansion, label packages, freeze flat, and follow refrigeration guidelines.
If you vacuum seal and handle food properly, chicken can stay fresh in the freezer for two to three years. But remember that you should use more than just the date on the package to tell if your chicken is still safe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about vacuum sealed chicken:
How can you tell if vacuum sealed chicken has gone bad?
Check for foul odors, sliminess, or unnatural colors when opening bag. Discard if chicken has an off smell or appearance.
Can you refreeze raw chicken after thawing?
No, raw chicken should never be refrozen after thawing. Cook or discard within 1-2 days.
What happens if the vacuum seal gets broken?
If seal breaks or air leaks into bag, use chicken within same timeframe as if stored in refrigerator without vacuum sealing. Re-seal if possible.
Can you cook chicken while still in the vacuum sealed bag?
Yes, you can sous vide or boil vacuum sealed chicken. But you should open bag afterwards to allow steam to escape before searing or eating.
Should you rinse chicken before vacuum sealing?
No, never rinse raw chicken as this can spread bacteria. Simply pat dry with paper towels before sealing.
Vacuum sealing gives chicken significantly longer shelf life compared to traditional storage methods. Follow proper guidelines and your vacuum sealed chicken can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 years!
Why is it worth vacuum packing chicken?
Its also worth mentioning that if you vacuum packs your chicken, you can choose where to store it. To keep the chicken longer, you must freeze it raw. Its different if it comes to vacuum-packed chicken. You can store it in the refrigerator and the freezer.
Now youre probably asking yourself why it is worth vacuum packing a chicken. Our answer is – because then you can store it longer. We will briefly describe how long vacuum-sealed chicken is good for eating. Before we do that, however, we want to mention a few more benefits of vacuum packaging.
Vacuum packing your food is a way to keep your fridge and freezer tidy. Packed food takes up less space and is easier to fit wherever you like. Moreover, vacuum packing will help you take care of balanced meals. In addition, a good organisation makes it easier for you to arrange the menu and shopping list. It is also very important that vacuum packaging prevents food from being thrown into the trash. Thanks to this, you do not waste money (food).
How to find a suitable food vacuum sealer and accessories?
The instructions for vacuum packing chicken are straightforward. However, many people need to learn how to find a suitable vacuum packaging machine. Therefore, we will quickly discuss this issue here.
Before buying a vacuum food sealer, consider where and what you will use it for. This is very important because it allows you to determine what size device you are interested in. In addition, also consider how often you will use such a vacuum sealer. With large quantities of products, you will need an efficient device with a lot of power. For our part, we highly recommend European products. They are of a very high standard and are extremely practical.
When you buy a food vacuum sealer, you should also think about whether you can get replacement parts or service for it. These are essential elements, as repair is often cheaper than buying a new device. You also need to know if you will find suitable packaging bags and foils for your chosen device.