Emilie Meyer
How long is fried chicken good for in the fridge? Well, it depends. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked chicken can last between three to four days in the refrigerator if stored at 40°F or less. However, the precise answer depends on storage conditions. To maximize shelf life, refrigerate the chicken within two hours of cooking or purchasing, and store in shallow airtight containers or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long does raw chicken last in the fridge? | The USDA recommends cooking chicken one or two days after buying it. However, some sources suggest that raw chicken can be stored for up to three or four days in the fridge. |
| How long is cooked chicken good for in the fridge? | Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for three to four days. |
| How to store cooked chicken in the fridge | Store leftover chicken in an airtight container or seal it in an unused, food-grade plastic bag. Label the container with the date it was stored. |
| How to store cooked chicken in the freezer | Place the chicken in a zip-top freezer bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing it, and freeze for up to four months. |
What You'll Learn
How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?
According to the USDA, raw chicken should be cooked or frozen within 1 to 2 days of purchase. This is because raw chicken is frequently contaminated with bacteria, including Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens.
The FDA recommends storing raw chicken in a refrigerator set to 40 degrees F or below. It should be placed in the lower part of the refrigerator to prevent dripping onto other items. Raw chicken should also be refrigerated within 2 hours of purchase to prevent bacterial growth.
If you're unsure whether your raw chicken is still good, check the "sell-by" date on the package. You can also look for discoloration, a putrid odour, or a slimy texture, all of which indicate that the chicken has gone bad.
To maximise the shelf life of raw chicken, it can be stored in the freezer, where it will last for up to 9 months for pieces and 1 year for a whole bird.
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How to store cooked chicken in the fridge
Storing cooked chicken in the fridge correctly is essential to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Timing is Key
It is important to refrigerate cooked chicken within two hours of it sitting at room temperature. Bacteria can multiply quickly when the meat's temperature is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). This "Danger Zone" temperature range can lead to rapid bacterial growth, compromising the meat's freshness and safety.
Container and Wrapping
Place the cooked chicken in a clean, dry, and airtight container. You can also seal it in an unused, food-grade plastic bag. Ensure the container or bag is suitable for storing food and can be sealed tightly to prevent air exposure. Labeling the container with the date it was stored can help you keep track of its freshness.
Refrigerator Temperature
To maximize the shelf life of cooked chicken, ensure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends storing cooked chicken at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or less. At this temperature, bacterial growth can be significantly slowed down, keeping the chicken safe to consume.
Shelf Life
Cooked chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It is important to follow this timeframe to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. After this period, consider freezing the chicken or discarding it to prevent spoilage and potential health hazards.
Signs of Spoilage
Even before the 3-to-4-day window, cooked chicken may sometimes spoil earlier. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in color (gray or green), mold on the surface, or a slimy texture. Additionally, trust your senses of smell and taste. Spoiled chicken often emits a foul, acidic odor, and if you take a bite, it may taste off. If you have any doubts about its freshness, it is best to discard it.
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How to know if cooked chicken has gone bad
Cooked chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to casseroles. However, it's important to ensure that the chicken you're using is still safe to eat. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to know if your cooked chicken has gone bad:
Check the Colour
One of the most obvious signs of spoilage in cooked chicken is a change in colour. Freshly cooked chicken has a certain colour, and when it goes bad, it can turn dark, grey, green, or yellow. This discolouration is usually accompanied by the growth of mould, which is another clear indication that the chicken is no longer safe to eat.
Touch and Texture
Spoiled cooked chicken often develops a slimy or sticky texture. Freshly cooked chicken should feel firm and dry, so if you notice any softness or stickiness, it's best to discard it. This change in texture is caused by bacterial growth, which can be dangerous if consumed.
Smell
Trust your nose! Cooked chicken that has gone bad will often emit a foul, acidic, or sour odour. The spoilage bacteria that cause chicken to spoil can produce these unpleasant smells, which are a clear indication that the chicken is no longer safe for consumption.
Storage Time
Even if your cooked chicken looks and smells fine, it's important to consider how long it has been stored in the fridge. Cooked chicken is generally safe to consume for up to 3 to 4 days when stored at 40°F or less. After this timeframe, the risk of bacterial growth increases, and it's best to discard the chicken.
Marinated or Sauced Chicken
If your cooked chicken has been marinated or covered in sauce, it can be trickier to spot the signs of spoilage. However, it's still important to follow the 3- to 4-day guideline for food safety. If you notice any changes in smell, texture, or appearance, or if it has been stored for longer than the recommended time, it's best to discard it.
In conclusion, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety. If you have any doubts about the freshness of your cooked chicken, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your cooked chicken is safe and enjoyable to eat.
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How to use up leftover cooked chicken
Cooked chicken is good in the fridge for up to four days. After that, it should be frozen or thrown away. Here are some ideas for using up leftover cooked chicken:
Salads
Leftover chicken can be added to a wide variety of salads, including a classic chicken salad with mayo, mustard, red onion, celery, parsley, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Chicken, Nectarine, and Avocado Salad is another option, or a Green Goddess Avocado Salad with lettuce, green apples, celery, and cucumber. For an Asian-inspired salad, try Chicken, Red Cabbage, and Carrot Salad with a Soy-Lime Dressing. This can be served on its own or with rice crackers or noodles. Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad is another option, tossed in a savory sauce of Italian dressing and hummus.
Sandwiches and wraps
Leftover chicken is a natural fit for sandwiches, such as BBQ Chicken Sandwiches or Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Chicken & Tzatziki Wraps are another option, made with cucumber, tomatoes, and tzatziki. Chicken can also be added to a wrap with Cobb salad fixings like blue cheese dressing, avocado, and bacon.
Soups
Leftover chicken can be added to a variety of soups, including Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Potpie, and Chicken Tortilla Soup. For an Asian-inspired option, try a Thai Chicken Peanut Noodle Soup. Other options include Turmeric-Ginger Chicken Soup, Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup, and Easy Leftover Chicken Curry.
Casseroles and bakes
Leftover chicken can be used in casseroles such as Chicken and Spinach Casserole, Chicken Tortilla Bake, Chicken and Gnocchi Bake with Broccolini, Chicken Florentine Casserole, and Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake. For a Mexican-inspired option, try Chicken Enchiladas or Chicken Chimichangas.
Pasta dishes
Leftover chicken can be added to pasta dishes such as Chicken and Bacon Pasta, Creamy Spinach, Basil & Chicken Pasta, and Honey-Mustard Chicken Pasta.
Other dishes
Other options for using up leftover chicken include Chicken and Bacon Mac, Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake, Burritos, Baked Egg Rolls, and Spicy Chicken Tomato Soup.
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How long can you store chicken in the freezer?
The length of time that chicken can be stored in the freezer depends on whether it is raw or cooked. According to FoodSafety.gov, raw chicken that has been kept frozen (under 0°F) is safe to eat for about a year. However, it is not advisable to wait a year, or even several months, to eat it. Even shrink-wrapped meat will eventually succumb to frost and freezer burn, which will affect its taste and texture.
On the other hand, frozen cooked chicken can be stored indefinitely in the freezer without risking foodborne illness. However, it will also start to lose its flavour and texture over time. According to the USDA, cooked chicken should be stored in the freezer in an airtight container, labelled and dated with the day it was prepared.
If you are storing raw chicken in the freezer, the USDA recommends that you use whole frozen chicken within a year, and chicken parts within nine months.
It is important to note that the above guidelines are for optimal safety and quality. Frozen chicken that has been kept constantly at 0°F will remain safe to eat indefinitely.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken fryers are good for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored at 40°F or less.
Chicken fryers should be stored in airtight containers or wrapped tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Chicken fryers have gone bad if they have a slimy texture, appear gray or green, or have an unpleasant odour.
Yes, chicken fryers can be frozen in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They will maintain their best quality for about 4 months but will remain safe beyond that time.
