How Long Can Chicken Stay Fresh in the Fridge and When Cooked? A Guide for Healthy Eating

Chicken is a dietary staple in many households. Its lean protein makes it a nutritious choice for meals. But both raw and cooked chicken can make you sick if they are not stored properly. It’s important to know how long chicken stays fresh in the fridge and when it’s ready to eat.

How Long Does Raw Chicken Last in The Fridge?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be refrigerated for 1-2 days before spoiling This timeframe applies to whole chickens as well as chicken parts like breasts, thighs, drumsticks, etc

It’s essential to store raw chicken properly in the fridge to maximize freshness:

• Place chicken in sealed containers or resealable bags to prevent juices from leaking and contaminating other food items.

• Store chicken on lower shelves of the fridge to avoid juices dripping onto other foods if packages leak.

• Keep fridge temperature at 40°F or below to slow down bacteria growth.

Monitoring the use-by date on packaged chicken is also advised. But also keep an eye out for signs of spoilage like bad smells and a slimy texture, even before the printed date. When in doubt, it’s safer to discard raw chicken.

How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in The Fridge?

Cooked chicken has a slightly longer shelf life than raw. According to USDA guidelines, properly stored cooked chicken can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Follow these storage tips for cooked chicken:

• Allow cooked chicken to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Store in sealed airtight containers or resealable bags. Make sure no air remains inside.

• To keep cooked chicken from getting mixed up with raw meats, store it on higher shelves in the fridge.

• Even if it looks and smells good, don’t keep it for more than 4 days. Spoilage bacteria can grow undetected.

Again, monitor expiration dates on pre-cooked chicken. For homemade cooked chicken, discard leftovers exceeding 4 days for maximum safety.

Signs of Spoiled Chicken

Check for these signs that indicate chicken has gone bad:

• Slimy texture and sticky feel

• Grayish color or greenish tinge

• Strong, sour odor

• Expired use-by/sell-by date

When in doubt, remember the motto: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t taste questionable chicken even if you plan on cooking it thoroughly.

Safe Reheating of Chicken

Reheat cooked chicken thoroughly until steaming hot at 165°F internal temperature. Bring soups, gravies and sauces containing chicken to a boil. This eliminates any bacteria that may have developed during storage.

Only reheat the amount you plan on eating. Avoid reheating chicken more than once.

Takeaway Tips

• Raw chicken lasts just 1-2 days in the fridge. Cooked chicken lasts 3-4 days.

• Monitor expiration dates and be vigilant about signs of spoilage.

• Store chicken properly in sealed containers.

• Never leave chicken at room temperature more than 2 hours.

• Cook or reheat chicken thoroughly to 165°F before eating.

Following basic food safety guidelines for handling and storing chicken helps avoid health risks. Be mindful of fridge life for raw and cooked chicken, and take care to reheat leftovers properly. With some simple precautions, you can safely enjoy chicken’s nutritional benefits for meals.