How Long Is Unopened Chicken Good For In The Fridge?

Raw chicken is only good for two days according to the USDA. Heres what you need to know.

Im a big fan of using meat delivery services to have the fixings for dinner delivered right to my door. Getting fresh chicken has made figuring out what to cook up on week nights easier, but I dont always eat everything, and often use the leftovers for lunches. However, I know chicken doesnt have a long shelf life, even after cooking. I recently realized that I might have been flirting with food poisoning by eating chicken that started to turn.

This is especially important because summer is almost here, and poultry is a higher-risk meat than beef due to its propensity to develop E. coli and other food-borne illnesses. Thats why you never want to eat bad chicken, and storing it properly is key to avoiding sickness.

The USDA gives chicken just 48 hours to be cooked and consumed after purchase, but that timeframe errs on the safe side and isnt the final word on when bird goes bad.

If youre wondering whether or not your chicken is bad or how long it is good for in the fridge, we have answers. Here, we explain how long chicken typically lasts in the fridge and freezer — both cooked and uncooked — and how to know when its time to put that poultry out to pasture.

Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in all kinds of delicious recipes However, raw chicken is highly perishable and can go bad quickly if not stored properly Many home cooks have wondered, how long is unopened raw chicken good for in the fridge? Read on for a comprehensive guide on maximizing the shelf life and safety of your unopened chicken.

Overview of Unopened Chicken Storage

In general, you can safely eat raw chicken that has been kept in the fridge for one to two days after the sell-by or use-by date written on the package. But going past this time limit greatly raises the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness. Proper storage techniques are key to preserving freshness.

Factors Affecting Unopened Chicken Shelf Life

Several key factors impact how long unopened chicken lasts in fridge:

Temperature – The #1 factor. Chicken must be kept at 40°F or below. Higher temps promote bacteria growth.
Packaging – Unopened packaging protects against contamination and delays spoilage,
Freezer Storage – Freezing unopened chicken extends shelf life to 9-12 months.
“Sell-By” & “Use-By” Dates – Indicate peak freshness not safety. Use within 1-2 days of these dates.
Chicken Type – Doesn’t affect fridge life. Follow same guidelines for all chicken types.
Cooking Method – Thorough cooking to 165°F kills harmful bacteria, but doesn’t extend fridge life.

Spotting Spoiled Chicken

Rely on your senses to determine if unopened chicken has gone bad:

Smell – Bad chicken gives off a sour, ammonia-like odor. Trust your nose!
Color – Should be pale pink. Grey, greenish or brown hues indicate spoilage.
Texture – Slime layer on the surface signals bacteria growth.
Package Leaking/Bloating – This allows bacteria to contaminate chicken. Discard!
When In Doubt, Throw It Out! – Don’t taste test suspicious chicken.

Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness

Follow these tips to safely maximize unopened chicken’s shelf life:

Refrigerate immediately at 40°F or below.
Keep chicken in original packaging until ready to use.
Place package on bottom shelf to prevent leaks from contaminating other food.
Optional: Place package in sealed container for extra protection.
Monitor fridge temp with thermometer.
Label package with date if unsure when purchased.
Use ice packs and insulated bag for transport.
Freeze for long-term storage.

FAQs About Unopened Chicken in the Fridge

How can I tell if frozen chicken has gone bad?

Bad frozen chicken has a bad smell, an odd color, freezer burn, and a slimy texture when it’s thawed.

Can I refreeze thawed chicken?

Raw chicken that has been frozen before can be safely frozen again as long as it is thawed properly in the fridge and used within one to two days. Do not refreeze chicken thawed by other methods.

What if chicken was left out for several hours?

If raw chicken sat at room temp for over 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90°F), discard it. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temp.

How do I prevent cross-contamination from raw chicken?

Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken. Use separate cutting boards for produce and meat.

Can I still eat chicken that smells slightly off?

No. Any unpleasant or “off” odor means don’t eat it. Even a mild spoilage odor indicates dangerous bacteria may be present.

How long is cooked chicken safe in the fridge?

Refrigerate cooked chicken in shallow airtight containers. It will keep for 3-4 days. Discard after that time.

Can spoiled chicken make me sick?

Yes! Eating even a small amount of bad chicken can cause food poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.

The Bottom Line

Maximize the freshness and safety of your unopened raw chicken by storing it properly at 40°F or below in the fridge. Use your refrigerator thermometer and follow other best practices outlined here. Cook or freeze chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing for optimal quality and food safety. If you notice any signs of spoilage, don’t risk it – remember, when in doubt, throw it out! With the proper storage and handling, unopened chicken can be a healthy and tasty addition to your meals.

how long is unopened chicken good in the fridge

Can I eat chicken that’s been in the fridge for more than two days?

The USDA recommends not storing raw chicken in the fridge for more than two days. From our experience, three to four days should be OK, provided youre within the use-by or sell-by date. Beyond this, avoid consuming the chicken.

Does raw chicken have a natural smell?

Not usually. Most raw chicken doesn’t have a strong smell, and if it does, it might mean that something is wrong. That said, some chicken farms and poultry producers add rosemary extract to ground chicken and turkey to reduce lipid oxidation in meats. If you smell a faint herby smell in your ground chicken or turkey, but its been stored properly and is within the sell-by dates and also within one or two days since you bought it, it may be the rosemary youre smelling and not spoiled chicken.