Cooked and raw chicken can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator. The amount of time that it lasts can vary depending on whether it’s frozen or refrigerated. Storing chicken in your fridge is convenient, but many people may wonder how long they can safely refrigerate chicken. In this article, you will know how long chicken lasts in your fridge.
How to tell if the chicken has gone bad
Wondering if that raw chicken in your fridge is still safe to eat? Here are the storage tips you need to know to keep your raw chicken fresh in the fridge for as long as possible. Raw chicken meat that has gone bad also appears extra shiny and slimy. The color also matters. Spoiled chicken often loses its pinkish hue and may appear gray or even green and yellow. Sometimes you may spot mold growing in the flesh.
What are the signs that raw chicken has gone bad?
You may be able to tell if the chicken is still good by its appearance, smell, and texture. Following safe storage practices can reduce your risk for illness. It is still possible that the meat has gone bad. So, how can you tell if it has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat? This can affect the taste and texture and in some cases, make you ill. Depending on whether you have raw or cooked chicken, there are a few important things to notice in terms of its appearance and color. Raw chicken should have a light pink color with white fatty pieces. If the flesh is gray or green or if the fat is yellow in color, this is a sign of spoilage and you should discard the chicken.
Risks of eating spoiled chicken
Eating spoiled chicken can cause food poisoning. Although reheating or cooking can kill surface bacteria, it won’t eliminate some of the toxins produced by bacteria, which can give you food poisoning if you eat them. Apart from that you can also suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, and dehydration. Look for chicken with an expiry date that is at least a few days later than the purchase date. Be sure to store it in the refrigerator or freezer within 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
The bottom line
Being able to tell when your chicken has gone bad will help keep you and your family safe from foodborne illness. Raw chicken shouldn’t be slimy, sticky, or tacky and should be glossy and somewhat soft. Cooked chicken that has gone bad will usually be slimy, sticky, and overly soft. Raw chicken can last in your fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken can last in the fridge for 2–3 days. Stay safe from having spoiled chicken because health is wealth.