How long can thawed chicken stay in the fridge? This is a question that many people have, and it is a good question to ask. After all, you don’t want to eat chicken that has been sitting in the fridge for too long! In this blog post, we will answer that question and give you some tips on how to store your chicken properly.
Let’s get started!
How Long Can Thawed Chicken Stay In The Fridge?
Are you one of those people who like to buy chicken in bulk at the grocery store so that you always have some on hand for a quick and easy meal? If so, you may be wondering how long chicken can stay in the fridge before it goes bad.
On average, thawed chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to two to three days. However, this may vary depending on how the chicken was thawed and how it was handled before it was placed in the fridge.
However, the answer to that question depends on a few factors. If you are unsure whether or not your chicken is still good, there are a few things you can do to check. Let’s take a look at those factors now so that you can make sure your chicken is always fresh.
Important Factors To Consider
When it comes to how long thawed chicken can stay in the fridge, there are a few important factors to consider. These factors include:
1. The type of chicken
The first thing you need to consider is the type of chicken. If you have a whole chicken, it will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you have cut-up chicken parts, they will last in the fridge for two to three days. Ground chicken or poultry will only last one to two days in the fridge.
For instance, if you have a whole chicken that you need to cook, but you don’t have time to do it right away, you can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure to cook it within that time frame.
The same goes for cut-up chicken parts. If you need to cook them within two to three days, they will be fine in the fridge. But, if you have ground chicken or poultry, it’s best to cook it within one to two days.
2. How the chicken was thawed
There are three ways to thaw chicken; in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Each method has its own set of rules.
Refrigerator: It is best to thaw chicken in the refrigerator. This is because it takes longer to thaw chicken in the fridge, so there is less chance of bacteria growing. The general rule is that chicken can be in the fridge for up to two days.
Cold Water: You can also thaw chicken in cold water. This method is faster than using the fridge, but there is a greater chance of bacteria growing on the chicken. To thaw chicken using this method, you should submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
Microwave: You can also thaw chicken in the microwave. This is the fastest method, but it is not recommended because there is a greater chance of bacteria growing on the chicken. To thaw chicken using this method, you should follow the instructions on your microwave.
Once the chicken is thawed, it can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. After that, it should be cooked. Usually, chicken that has been thawed in the fridge will last longer than chicken that was thawed using other methods, such as in the microwave or in cold water.
Read Also: How to precook chicken before grilling?
3. Storage Duration
Chicken that was stored properly (in the freezer) before it was thawed will last longer than chicken that may have been stored improperly. The maximum recommended storage time for thawed chicken is four days. If chicken is stored longer than this, it will begin to spoil and develop bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
4. The temperature of the fridge
A fridge that is set to the proper temperature (40 degrees Fahrenheit or below) will keep chicken fresh for a longer period of time than a fridge that is not set to the proper temperature.
A fridge that is not set to the proper temperature can cause the chicken to spoil more quickly.
5. The type of container
Another factor to consider is the type of container the chicken is stored in. If chicken is stored in a sealed container, it will last longer than if it is not stored in a sealed container.
Sealed containers keep chicken fresher for a longer period of time because they prevent bacteria from getting to the chicken.
Bacteria can cause the chicken to spoil more quickly, so it is important to store chicken in a sealed container if you want it to last longer.
There are many different types of containers that can be used to store chicken. Some examples include:
- Ziploc bags
- Sealed containers
- Tightly sealed containers
The temperature of the fridge is one factor, but there are other factors to consider as well, such as the type of container the chicken is stored in. If you store chicken in a sealed container, it will last longer than if it is not stored in a sealed container.
These are just a few of the factors that can affect how long thawed chicken can stay in the fridge. To be on the safe side, it is always best to use chicken within two days of thawing.
If you have any leftover chicken after two days, you can always freeze it and save it for another time.
Now that we’ve answered the question, “How long can thawed chicken stay in the fridge?”, let’s take a look at some tips on how to store your chicken properly.
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5 Tips For Storing Thawed Chicken Properly For An Extended Shelf Life!
It is safe to eat thawed chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you plan to eat the chicken within two days, cook it immediately after thawing. Chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. To extend the shelf life of a chicken, cook it immediately after thawing.
Here are five tips for storing thawed chicken properly:
1. Always Store it in a Refrigerator!
It is best to store chicken in the refrigerator, especially if it is thawed. The fridge will help keep the chicken at a consistent temperature and prevent bacteria from growing.
If you plan on eating the chicken within four days, cook it immediately after thawing.
2. Cooked Chicken Lasts Longer
Cooked chicken lasts longer than raw chicken. Cooking chicken not only kills bacteria but also dries out the meat and makes it less susceptible to spoiling.
Moreover, when you cook chicken, make sure to cook it until the juices run clear. This means that the meat is cooked all the way through and any bacteria present have been killed.
If you are unsure whether your chicken is cooked, use a food thermometer to check. The USDA recommends cooking chicken breasts to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Use Proper Storage Containers
Use proper storage containers for chicken. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are best. Do not use aluminum foil, as it will cause the chicken to dry out.
Below are some suggestions to consider in this regard:
- Use plastic wrap to tightly seal the chicken in a container.
- Line the bottom of the container with paper towels to absorb moisture.
- Place chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back of the fridge.
- Do not store chicken near other foods that might cause it to spoil.
Read Also: How many chicken wings in a pound? [Ultimate Guide]
4. Check for Spoiled Chicken
You should always check for spoiled chicken before eating it. Chicken that has gone bad will have a foul odor, slimy texture, and discolored flesh. If the chicken looks or smells spoiled, throw it away immediately.
It is important to note that cooked chicken can also spoil. Cooked chicken that has been stored improperly will have the same signs of spoilage as raw chicken.
To avoid wasting chicken, only thaw and cook as much as you need. Do not refreeze thawed chicken, as this will decrease the quality of the meat. Chicken that has been frozen and thawed multiple times is more likely to spoil.
5. Never Thaw Chicken on the Counter
You might be tempted to thaw chicken on the counter at room temperature, but this is a big no-no. Room temperature is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. So, not only will thawing chicken on the counter make it unsafe to eat, but it will also shorten the shelf life.
Moreover, the juices from the chicken will drip onto your counter and possibly contaminate other food. So it’s just not worth the risk.
These are just a few tips to help you store thawed chicken properly. By following these tips, you can extend the shelf life of your chicken and keep it safe to eat.
Bonus: 3 Perfect Recipes For Thawed Chicken
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for new recipes to try. And if you’re also like me, you have a hard time following recipes.
I tend to improvise and add my own flare (much to the chagrin of my wife). But when it comes to chicken, I like to stick to the tried and true. That’s why I love these three recipes for thawed chicken. They’re each unique, but they all produce perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Honey Garlic Chicken
The first recipe is for honey garlic chicken. This one is my personal favorite because it is so easy to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a great way to use up that garlic that’s been sitting in your fridge for a few weeks.
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Chicken breasts (thawed)
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Vegetable oil
Steps to take:
- First, you’ll want to Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vegetable oil. I like to use a ratio of ¼ cup honey to ½ cup soy sauce to ¼ cup garlic. But you can adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
- Once the sauce is mixed, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the sauce over top.
- Make sure that each chicken breast is well coated with the sauce. Then, bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
This recipe is so simple, but it always produces juicy, flavorful chicken. And the best part is that you can use the leftover sauce to make a delicious rice or noodle dish.
Read Also: How long do you boil chicken before grilling?
Lemon Pepper Chicken – A healthier option!
The next recipe is for lemon pepper chicken. This one is perfect if you’re looking for a healthier option. It’s also a great way to use up any lemons you have lying around.
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Chicken breasts (thawed)
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Salt
Follow the below-given steps:
- First, Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about two minutes per side.
- After cooking the chicken breasts in the skillet, transfer them to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and enjoy!
This recipe is a great option if you’re looking for something healthy and flavorful. The lemon juice and black pepper give the chicken breasts a nice flavor, while the olive oil helps to keep them moist.
If you’re looking for a bit more of a crunch, you could also try breading the chicken breasts before cooking them.
Chicken Parmesan – A classic!
The next recipe is for chicken parmesan. This is a classic dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for something a little more hearty than the previous two recipes.
Ingredients:
- Thawed chicken breasts
- Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Bread crumbs
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Follow these steps:
- To start, you’ll need to bread your chicken. I like to use a simple mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. You could also add some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the mix.
- Once your chicken is coated in the breading, you’ll need to fry it until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, you’ll need to assemble your parmesan. I like to use a simple combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- You could also add some shredded Italian cheese blend if you’d like. Once your cheese is melted, you’ll need to spoon it over the chicken and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can you freeze cooked chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen. To prevent it from drying out, wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe wrap or seal it in a freezer-safe bag. Label the package with the date, so you can keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
Is it safe to eat expired chicken?
It is not safe to eat it after the expiration date. Because the quality of the chicken may not be as good as it was before it expired. Chicken that has gone bad will have a foul odor, and the meat will be discolored. If you are unsure whether or not the chicken is still good, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Can you refreeze the chicken after it has been thawed?
Yes, you can safely refreeze chicken after it has been thawed. However, there may be a slight decrease in quality due to the repeated freezing and thawing process. To minimize any negative effects, make sure to wrap the chicken tightly in freezer-safe packaging before refreezing.
Wrapping Up
We hope that this article has helped you understand how to store thawed chicken properly and given you some great recipes to try. Thanks for following along with our tips on how to store thawed chicken! We hope you feel more confident in your ability to safely keep this poultry staple fresh.