How Long Does Raw Chicken Last in the Fridge Before It Goes Bad?
Chicken is eaten all around the world and often takes the place of other meats like pork and beef.
Its delicious white meat is rich in protein. However, it is a highly perishable food and can quickly develop bacterial growth.
But how long does raw chicken last in the fridge? We will cover everything you need to know about the length of its fridge life.
How Long Will Raw Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Raw chicken generally lasts for approximately 1 to 2 days in the fridge. The fridge is the perfect place to store your raw chicken if you’re going to eat it anytime soon.
We recommend storing your raw chicken in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below to slow down any bacterial growth on the meat.
Factors To Consider in Freezing Raw Chicken
Temperature
This common meat is tender. If you store it above 40°F, bacteria can grow fast.
Store raw chicken in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F. This helps slow down bacteria and prevents foodborne illnesses.
Read: Why You Must Keep Warm Chicken In The Fridge?
Sell By Date
Raw chicken meat is a highly perishable food product, so sell-by-dates are always included in its packaging.
Sell-by-dates do not indicate safety; instead, they tell you when the meat will decline. It is still safe to eat but expect a degradation in overall quality.
Storage
Proper storage allows you to preserve your raw chicken fresh for 1 to 2 days. You can store it directly in the fridge without needing to rinse it.
Store it in a leak-proof container. This stops contamination, especially if its juices leak onto other foods in the fridge.
Understanding the Dates on the Raw Chicken Packaging
Sell-by dates help retailers know when raw chicken is still good to sell before its quality drops [2]. Raw chicken is safe to cook and eat two days beyond its sell-by-date.
Best-by-dates tell consumers when the raw chicken will be at its best to cook and eat. You can usually eat raw chicken two days after the best-by date, but it may not taste as good.
Use-by-dates inform consumers of the last date a raw chicken can be cooked and eaten before it deteriorates. If your raw chicken is already past its use-by-date, throw it out.
How Do I Store Raw Chicken to Maintain Its Freshness?
To maintain your raw chicken’s freshness, vacuum-seal it and store it in the fridge. Your raw chicken will generally last for 3 to 4 days at 40°F or below.
“Do not put all your eggs in one basket.”
— Warren Buffett
Vacuum-sealing draws out oxygen around the meat. It stops anaerobic bacteria from growing. These bacteria cause spoilage in raw chicken meat [1].
How to Tell if Chicken Meat Has Gone Bad?
Smell
Spoiled raw chicken meat gives off foul, sour-like odors.
Fresh raw chicken can smell strange, but if it smells sour, like rotten eggs, then throw it out.
However, you must not depend on the smell alone because our sense of smell varies. .
Texture
If your raw chicken has a slimy or sticky texture, it has already gone bad.
You can also try pressing down on the meat to determine whether it’s bad or not. If it has a very soft feel and leaves an indentation, it goes into the trash.
You must check and feel the meat, especially if your raw chicken looks just fine or doesn’t smell unusual.
Appearance
If the meat is gray or green, or if the fat is yellowish and there are molds, your raw chicken is spoiled.
The gray-to-green color indicates that the meat has already been contaminated with bacteria.
A fresh raw chicken tends to have light pinkish tones, with the fats being white. Refrigerated raw meat may show slight discoloration. This means it isn’t as fresh, but it’s still safe to eat.
| Check out: Why You Need to Clean Knife After Cutting Raw Chicken |
What to Do If You’re Unsure
If you’re not sure your raw chicken is safe, check for spoilage signs before cooking. Check the color first. Fresh chicken is pale pink. If it looks grayish or greenish, it’s spoiled. Next, take a sniff; raw chicken should have little to no odor, but if it smells sour, sulfuric, or just “off,” it’s time to toss it. Finally, feel the texture. A slimy or sticky surface is a clear sign that bacteria have started to grow.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Eating spoiled chicken can cause foodborne illnesses. These include salmonella and campylobacter, which can lead to serious digestive problems. If you’re questioning its freshness, it’s safer to discard it rather than risk getting sick. Always check the sell-by date. Follow storage guidelines to reduce spoilage risk.
Proper disposal is key to preventing contamination in your kitchen. Don’t leave questionable chicken in the trash, especially when it’s warm. It can attract pests and pose health risks. Instead, seal it in a plastic bag and place it in an outdoor trash bin or a freezer until trash collection day.
Wash your hands, cutting boards, and surfaces that touched the chicken. This helps get rid of any bacteria.
To keep your kitchen clean and prevent foodborne illness, know how to check raw chicken. Then, dispose of it safely. When in doubt, remember this simple rule: If it smells bad, feels slimy, or looks off-color, throw it out!
Can You Freeze Raw Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze raw chicken for up to 9 months. It is ideal, especially if you’re not planning to cook and eat it within two days after purchase.
Freeze raw chicken in an airtight container or quality freezer bags. This keeps it safer in the freezer. And label it with the date when it was stored in the freezer.
Tips & Tricks When Storing Raw Chicken in the Fridge
- Store your raw chicken immediately in the fridge in its original packaging, and don’t let it sit on your countertop, not even for a short period.
- If your raw chicken leaks, move it to a deep bowl. Then, cover it with wax paper or aluminum foil.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic. Then, put it on a platter with raised sides. This will stop leaks from dripping.
FAQs on Raw Chicken Last in the Fridge
Can I cook raw chicken that has been in the fridge for a week?
No, because it is most likely contaminated with bacteria or molds already. Raw chicken can only last in the fridge for 1 to 2 days and an extended 3 to 4 days when it’s vacuum-sealed.
Is raw chicken OK if it smells a little?
Yes. It is normal for raw chicken meat to smell a little funny, given it’s still fresh and raw. But if it gives off unbearable, sour-like odors, it’s already gone bad and should be thrown out.
What happens if you cook bad chicken?
If you cook and eat a bad chicken, you will acquire foodborne illnesses or food poisoning.
Is thawed chicken good for 3 days in the fridge?
No. Thawed chicken products are suggested to be used within 1 or 2 days of fridge time. Beyond that will mean your chicken is already bad and not edible.
The Bottom Line
Raw chicken meat is a highly perishable food that lasts 1 or 2 days in the fridge and 9 months in the freezer.
Always remember the temperature, sell-by date, and storage. This way, you won’t end up with spoiled raw chicken.
Check if it has gone bad by looking for these signs: a sour smell, a slimy texture, and gray, green, or yellow colors.
Store raw chicken carefully. This keeps its juices from leaking onto other foods in the fridge. It helps prevent food contamination.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3768908/
- https://news.extension.uconn.edu/2019/10/30/expiration-use-by-and-sell-by-dates-what-do-they-really-mean
