How Long Can Chicken Last? A Guide to Food Safety
How Long Can Chicken? A Quick Answer
Chicken can last for varying lengths of time depending on factors such as handling, storage, and cooking. On average, chicken can last:
- 3-5 days when refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below
- 6-9 months when frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below
- 24 hours when cooked and held at 145°F (63°C) or above
Storing Raw Chicken
Proper storage of raw chicken is crucial to prevent spoilage and contamination. Here are some tips to store raw chicken:
• Store raw chicken in a sealed container: Transfer chicken to airtight, leak-proof containers to prevent cross-contamination.
• Keep it away from ready-to-eat foods: Prevent juices from coming into contact with ready-to-eat foods.
• Store at 40°F (4°C) or below: Check the temperature regularly to ensure it stays below 40°F (4°C).
Signs of Spoiled Chicken
Be aware of the signs of spoiled chicken:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Off or strong odors
- Slabby or dark meat
- Soft or pinkish areas
- Black or greenish streaks (on whole poultry)
- Fermentation sounds (on stored raw chicken)
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last?
Cooked chicken can be stored for shorter periods due to increased moisture content:
- 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below
- 1-2 days when kept at room temperature (below 75°F/24°C)
Signs of Spoiled Cooked Chicken
Keep an eye out for signs of spoiled cooked chicken:
- Rancid smell or off flavors
- Dry or slimy texture
- Dark, discolored, or slabs
- Greenish, slimy, or stringy textures
- Abnormal sounds when you handle it
Food Safety and Cooking Temperatures
Ensure safe food handling by cooking chicken to the correct temperatures:
| Cooking Temperature | Type of Chicken | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 165°F (74°C) | Ground chicken, chicken burgers, and chicken strips | Instant-read thermometer recommended |
| 180°F (82°C) | Whole poultry (including boneless) and chicken parts (legs, wings, thighs) | Food thermometer required |
| 190°F (88°C) | Delicate meats, like chicken breast, chicken breast roasts, and stuffed poultry | Food thermometer required |
Refrigerating Leftover Chicken
Store leftover chicken in shallow, airtight containers to prevent bacterial growth:
• Cool to 70°F (21°C) or below
• Within 2 hours after cooking
• Keep away from strong-smelling foods
• Consume or freeze within 3-4 days
Freezing Raw or Cooked Chicken
When freezing raw or cooked chicken:
- Seal airtight: Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Label with date: Prevent mix-ups by labeling the package
- Store in the freezer: Frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below
- Cook before eating: Reheat cooked chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or higher
Conclusion
By following proper food safety guidelines and cooking chicken to the correct temperatures, you can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and extend the shelf life of chicken. Remember to handle chicken with care, store it correctly, and refrigerate or freeze promptly to enjoy the maximum longevity of your chicken.