The topic of storing leftover chicken is one that often raises eyebrows – after all, this is a meat notorious for going off quickly, and the consequences of consuming spoiled chicken are nothing short of ghastly. For those who frequently end up with surplus chicken or prefer to do a spot of batch cooking to capitalise on time, paying heed to safe storage techniques is essential, particularly if chicken is your protein of choice.
There’s always that moment of hesitation when you fish out a Tupperware of chicken from the chiller that’s been lounging there for a couple of days. It’s a well-known fact that dodgy leftovers can lead to tummy troubles or even a nasty bout of food poisoning. So, just how long will a cooked chicken last in the fridge?
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge
Real Simple guides us by saying that cooked chicken should be fine in the fridge for about four days. Once it reaches that uncertain age, you’ll need to evaluate whether it still passes muster for consumption, reports MirrorOnline.
There are three main things to look out for when doing so, as per their advice. They explained: “If the chicken is not yet showing any signs of spoilage (poor smell, smile, or discolouration), you may still be able to eat it or freeze it to preserve it longer.”
Determining if chicken, or any meat for that matter, has gone off involves a sniff test and a visual inspection. Off chicken notoriously sports a foul odour and slimy texture, possibly adopting a drab grey or green hue.
When in doubt? Bin it.
Should the chicken pass the preliminary checks and still seem edible, the recommendation is to cook it once more to an internal heat of 73 degrees Celsius to ensure it’s fit for consumption.
Can you store raw chicken in the freezer?
Is it possible to store raw chicken in the freezer? In an effort to prolong the freshness of their groceries, many households are exploring various methods.
If your raw chicken has been sitting in the fridge for a few days and you’re concerned about it spoiling, freezing it could be a viable solution to extend its usability.
According to a food safety website, raw chicken can be safely stored in the freezer for up to nine months. However, it’s crucial to freeze it within a day or so of purchasing it from the supermarket.
To achieve this, utilise a vacuum-sealed bag or a tightly sealed container.
Furthermore, proper packaging is key to preserving its freshness and quality. Labelling the package with the date can help you determine when it’s time to discard it – or if it’s still safe to consume.