Raw chicken is a perishable food item that can quickly become unsafe to consume if not properly stored and handled. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that raw chicken be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days before cooking. However, there may be times when you forget about a package of chicken in the fridge and it ends up sitting there for longer than intended. If this happens, you may be wondering if it is still safe to cook and eat the chicken.
Factors Affecting the Safety of Refrigerated Raw Chicken
Several factors can affect the safety of raw chicken that has been refrigerated for an extended period, including:
- Initial quality of the chicken: Chicken that was fresh and properly handled at the time of purchase is more likely to remain safe for a longer period in the refrigerator.
- Storage temperature: The temperature of the refrigerator plays a crucial role in the shelf life of raw chicken. The USDA recommends keeping the refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Packaging: Chicken that is vacuum-sealed or stored in an airtight container will have a longer shelf life than chicken that is loosely wrapped or exposed to air.
- Cross-contamination: Raw chicken should be stored away from other foods to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Assessing the Safety of Refrigerated Raw Chicken
If you have a package of raw chicken that has been in the refrigerator for more than two days, it is essential to assess its safety before cooking and eating it. Here are some signs that the chicken may have gone bad:
- Smell: Fresh chicken should have a mild, slightly meaty smell. If the chicken has a sour, ammonia-like odor, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
- Texture: Fresh chicken should be firm and slightly moist. If the chicken is slimy or sticky, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
- Color: Fresh chicken should be pink or slightly red. If the chicken has turned gray or green, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Cooking and Eating Refrigerated Raw Chicken
If you have assessed the safety of the refrigerated raw chicken and determined that it is still safe to cook, it is essential to follow proper cooking and handling procedures to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
- Cook thoroughly: The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached the proper temperature throughout.
- Handle properly: Avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken.
- Refrigerate promptly: Cooked chicken should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to prevent the growth of bacteria.
While it is generally not recommended to store raw chicken in the refrigerator for more than two days, there may be times when it is necessary. By carefully assessing the safety of the chicken and following proper cooking and handling procedures, you can minimize the risk of foodborne illness and enjoy your chicken meal safely.
How Long Can Raw Chicken Stay in the Refrigerator
Whether you bought chicken for the week and days later, you realized that you meant to cook it sooner, or used the fridge to thaw chicken, many of us have had doubts if we kept it in the refrigerator for too long.
Once the packaging has been opened, raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days or until it reaches its best-by date, provided that it is kept at the proper temperature—more on that later.
Unopened Raw Chicken in the Fridge
When you buy chicken at the store, it usually comes in a sealed package. It’s usually best to cook it before the “best by date” indicated on the packaging label when it’s kept unopened. Once the chicken is open, you have one or possibly two days to cook it before it deteriorates because the storage environment is no longer sealed.
Is raw chicken okay in the fridge for 4 days?
FAQ
Can I cook raw chicken that’s been in the fridge for 4 days?
Can I freeze chicken that has been in the fridge for 3 days?
How can you tell if raw chicken has gone bad?
Is cooked chicken OK after 3 days in the fridge?
How long can you keep raw chicken in the fridge?
The USDA recommends that you only store raw chicken in the fridge for two days. This is regardless if it is whole or cut into pieces. For frozen chicken, the timer starts once you fully thaw the meat. Read on to learn more about raw chicken in the fridge for seven days. You will know if it is still safe to eat, and if it is, how should you cook it.
Do eggs from home-raised chickens need to be refrigerated?
Home-raised chickens eggs should be refrigerated once they are free of feathers and poop. Although, unwashed eggs with cuticles intact can safely be stored at room temperature, but, refrigerating them will help them last longer; about 5 or 6 weeks.
Can you eat raw chicken after 3 days in the fridge?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward. The safety of raw chicken after 3 days in the fridge depends on several factors, including the storage temperature, the condition of the chicken when it was initially purchased, and the overall freshness of the chicken. Generally, raw chicken is safe to consume within 1-2 days of refrigeration.
Can you put cooked chicken in the fridge?
Also, you should put the leftover chicken into the fridge as soon as you can. The reason is that it can quickly spoil if left at room temperature for a couple of hours. The danger zone for cooked chicken is anywhere between 40°F (4°C) to 140°F (60°C). At this temperature, bacteria can multiply exponentially.