How Long is Cooked Chicken Sausage Good For? The Complete Guide

Chicken sausage is a delicious, versatile meat that can be enjoyed in everything from breakfast scrambles to pasta dishes and more. But like any perishable food, it’s important to store and handle cooked chicken sausage properly to keep it safe to eat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the shelf life and storage of cooked chicken sausage.

How Long Does Cooked Chicken Sausage Last?

When properly stored cooked chicken sausage will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. The exact shelf life depends on a few factors

• Storage method – Chicken sausage that is vacuum sealed or stored in an airtight container will last longer than sausage loosely wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.

• Temperature of the fridge—Make sure the temperature of your fridge is 40°F or less. It’s best to keep cooked meats cold to make them last longer.

• Exposure to air – Minimizing air exposure is key Re-wrap or reseal chicken sausage in fresh wrapping if the original wrap or seal is compromised.

• Preservatives – Some sausages contain preservatives that enhance shelf life. Check the ingredients list for nitrites or nitrates.

With proper refrigeration, 3-4 days is a general guideline for how long cooked chicken sausage stays fresh. For maximum safety and quality, use sausage within that window.

Freezing Cooked Chicken Sausage

For longer term storage, chicken sausage can be frozen. When frozen:

• Properly wrapped chicken sausage will last 2-3 months in the freezer.

• Vacuum sealed or heavily wrapped sausage has better frozen shelf life than sausage loosely wrapped.

• Portion sausage before freezing for easier thawing and use.

• Avoid freezer burn by minimizing air exposure. Use freezer bags or airtight containers.

• Don’t refreeze thawed chicken sausage. It will degrade in quality and safety.

Signs Your Cooked Sausage Has Spoiled

You can tell if cooked chicken sausage has gone bad by how it tastes and smells. Signs of spoiled sausage include:

• Change in color – Grey, greenish or unusual discoloration indicates spoilage.

• Slimy texture – Sausage will develop a sticky, slimy feel as it spoils.

• Sour smell – Bad sausage gives off a distinctly sour, unpleasant odor.

• Mold – Any fuzzy growth on the sausage is a sign it should be discarded.

When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t taste questionable sausage to determine if it’s gone bad. Discard sausage at the first signs of spoilage.

Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness

The best way to keep cooked sausage fresh and extend its shelf life is to store it properly. Follow these storage tips:

• Put in the fridge within two hours—Don’t leave cooked sausage out at room temperature for more than two hours before putting it in the fridge.

• Use airtight containers – An airtight container is best for locking in freshness and preventing freezer burn.

• Wrap tightly in foil or plastic – If not using a container, wrap sausage tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Eliminate as much air as possible.

• Portion before freezing – Freeze sausage in servings sizes for easier thawing and use.

• Keep raw meats separate – Store cooked meats away from raw meats to avoid cross-contamination.

Proper storage, wrapping and refrigeration gives cooked chicken sausage the best chance of lasting a full 3-4 days in the fridge or 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Sausage Safely

Cooked sausage that has been properly stored can be safely reheated and enjoyed. Follow these reheating guidelines:

• Reheat to 165°F internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to verify.

• Microwave in 30 second intervals, flipping halfway through for even heating.

• Oven heat at 350°F until hot and steaming, 10-15 minutes.

• Pan fry over medium-high heat until hot throughout, about 5 minutes per side.

• Don’t microwave frozen sausage to thaw – thaw in the refrigerator overnight instead.

• Bring sauce back up to a boil if sausage was stored in sauce.

Reheated fully to 165°F, chicken sausage can be safely enjoyed again.

Can You Eat Sausage After the Expiration Date?

Pre-packaged chicken sausage will have a sell by or use by date on the label. This date indicates peak freshness and quality, not necessarily safety. Sausage stored properly after this date will still be safe to eat for the duration of its fridge/freezer shelf life.

To determine if expired sausage is good, do a visual, smell and texture check. If it looks and smells normal with no signs of spoilage, and has been continuously refrigerated or frozen, it should be fine to eat for 3-4 days past its date. However, the flavor and texture quality may start to decline.

Use good judgment. When in doubt, throw expired sausage out. Don’t take risks with food safety.

Can I Still Eat Sausage Left Out Overnight?

Cooked sausage left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours should not be eaten. At room temp, bacteria grows rapidly and sausage will be unsafe after sitting out too long.

Do not eat chicken sausage left out overnight. The USDA recommends throwing out perishable foods left over 2 hours at room temp. Don’t risk getting sick – when in doubt, throw it out.

Consequences of Eating Bad Chicken Sausage

Eating spoiled, rotten or contaminated chicken sausage can cause foodborne illness. Potential symptoms include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Fever, chills
• Headaches
• Fatigue

In severe cases, bad sausage can cause dangerous infections. Seek medical care if food poisoning symptoms are severe or persist longer than 1-2 days.

When handled and stored properly, cooked chicken sausage is perfectly safe to eat and enjoy. Follow the storage, freezing and reheating guidelines in this article and your sausage will stay fresh for its max shelf life. Trust your eyes and nose – if sausage smells or looks bad, get rid of it. With smart storage and handling, you can safely savor delicious chicken sausage for days to come.