How long can you keep fresh chicken in the fridge?
Keeping fresh chicken in the fridge is essential for maintaining its quality and safety. However, it’s important to know how long you can store it before it becomes unsafe to consume. Understanding the proper storage guidelines for fresh chicken can help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that you enjoy delicious, safe meals.
When storing fresh chicken in the fridge, it’s crucial to keep it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. This low temperature slows down the growth of bacteria, which can cause foodborne illnesses. Here’s a breakdown of how long you can keep fresh chicken in the fridge:
1. Whole chicken: Fresh whole chickens can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 days before cooking. Once cooked, the leftovers can be kept for an additional 3-4 days.
2. Chicken parts: Fresh chicken parts, such as breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings, can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 days before cooking. Cooked chicken parts can be kept for an additional 3-4 days.
3. Ground chicken: Fresh ground chicken should be stored in the fridge for no more than 1-2 days before cooking. Cooked ground chicken can be kept for an additional 3-4 days.
4. Chicken breasts: Fresh chicken breasts can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 days before cooking. Cooked chicken breasts can be kept for an additional 3-4 days.
5. Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Fresh chicken thighs and drumsticks can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 days before cooking. Cooked chicken thighs and drumsticks can be kept for an additional 3-4 days.
6. Chicken wings: Fresh chicken wings can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 days before cooking. Cooked chicken wings can be kept for an additional 3-4 days.
It’s important to note that these storage times are guidelines and can vary depending on the specific chicken and refrigerator conditions. Always check the “use by” or “sell by” date on the packaging, if available, and follow the recommended storage guidelines.
To further extend the shelf life of fresh chicken, it’s essential to store it properly. Here are some tips:
– Keep raw chicken in a sealed container or plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
– Place the container or bag on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent any potential drips from contaminating other foods.
– Avoid storing fresh chicken near strong-smelling foods, as this can affect the taste and odor of the chicken.
By following these guidelines and understanding how long you can keep fresh chicken in the fridge, you can ensure that your meals are both delicious and safe to consume.
