Chicken is one of the most popular proteins, but it also spoils more quickly than other meats. Knowing how to tell if raw or cooked chicken has gone bad is important for avoiding foodborne illness. There are several signs that indicate spoiled chicken, including changes in smell, texture, and appearance.
How can you tell if raw chicken has gone bad?
Here are some ways to determine if raw chicken in the refrigerator has spoiled:
Smell
Fresh raw chicken has a very mild odor. As it starts to spoil, it will develop a sour, ammonia-like smell. This is caused by bacteria growth. If the raw chicken smells bad, it is best to throw it away.
Color
Raw chicken naturally has a light pink color. As it spoils, the color fades to grey. The flesh may also become slimy and sticky. These are signs that the chicken has spoiled.
Texture
Fresh raw chicken is firm with some springiness to it. As it spoils, the texture becomes mushy, sticky, or slimy. Spoiled chicken may also have a tacky or slick feel. If the chicken has gone bad, it will leave a residue on your hands after touching it.
Expiration date
Check the sell-by or use-by date on the package. Raw chicken should be used within 1-2 days of the sell-by date. It may last 3-5 days past the printed date if refrigerated properly at 40°F or below. But it is best not to risk it if the chicken is past the expiration date.
Storage time
Raw chicken should only be refrigerated for 1-2 days. If you are unsure how long it has been in the fridge, it is safer to throw it away. Chicken that has been freezer burned or exceeds the recommended freezer storage time should also be discarded.
How can you tell if cooked chicken has gone bad?
It can be trickier to determine if leftover cooked chicken has spoiled. Here are some signs to look for:
Smell
Cooked chicken that has gone rancid will have an off odor that immediately tells you it has spoiled. Some describe the stench as rotten, sulfur-like, or resembling ammonia. If it smells bad, do not eat it.
Appearance
Leftover cooked chicken that is still good should remain moist and juicy. If it looks dry, flaky, or shriveled, it is past its prime. Moldy spots are a definite sign of spoilage.
Texture
The texture of spoiled cooked chicken can become mushy. It may feel slimy or take on a gelatinous texture. Good leftover chicken will seem moist, not slimy.
Time since cooking
Cooked chicken should not be left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. Leftover chicken stored in the refrigerator should be eaten within 3-4 days. Frozen chicken leftovers can last 4-6 months. Discard any cooked chicken that is past these time limits.
What are signs of salmonella and other pathogens?
Dangerous bacteria like salmonella will often produce visible signs and textural changes in spoiled chicken. Here is what to watch out for:
Sliminess
A thick, sticky slime on raw or cooked chicken is a sign of bacterial growth. The slime itself contains pathogens and should be avoided.
Discoloration
Grey, green, or black discoloration on chicken indicates spoilage. The darkened areas may be bacteria or mold. Do not eat discolored chicken.
Foul odor
Chicken contaminated with salmonella and other bacteria will produce rancid, rotten, or sulfurous odors. Some describe the smell as medicinal. Avoid any chicken with an off or suspicious smell.
Visible mold
Mold on chicken may appear fuzzy, dry, slimy, or filament-like. Any visible mold is a sign the chicken has spoiled and may contain toxins. Do not scrape it off or try to salvage unaffected parts.
| Signs of Spoilage | Indication |
| Slimy texture | Bacterial growth |
| Discoloration | Bacteria or mold |
| Foul odor | Contaminated meat |
| Visible mold | Toxin-producing microbes |
What are the dangers of eating spoiled chicken?
Eating chicken that has gone bad poses serious health risks including:
Food poisoning
Spoiled chicken can harbor dangerous bacteria like salmonella, listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli. Consuming bad chicken can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, fever, and chills.
Toxicity
Moldy chicken may contain mycotoxins that can cause illness. Bacteria also produce waste products that are toxic. Eating spoiled chicken can potentially be fatal in severe cases due to toxicity.
Infection
Raw chicken is especially prone to salmonella. Eating undercooked chicken or spoiled cooked chicken can result in salmonella infection. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal pain that may last for days. It can be life-threatening in those with weakened immune systems.
Long-term complications
Food poisoning caused by spoiled chicken can sometimes lead to chronic conditions. Reactive arthritis, kidney problems, and irritable bowel syndrome are potential long-term effects in severe cases.
Other risks
Additionally, rotting chicken can potentially cause chemical burns in the mouth, throat, and stomach lining. It may also trigger an inflammatory response throughout the body. Some cases of severe foodborne illness can even result in paralysis.
How can you prevent chicken from spoiling?
Proper handling and storage are key to preventing raw and cooked chicken from going bad prematurely:
Storage temperature
Raw chicken should be stored at 40°F or slightly below. Freeze at 0°F if not using within a couple days. Leftover cooked chicken should be refrigerated at 40°F and reheated to 165°F before serving.
Airtight packaging
Ensure raw chicken is stored in clean, airtight packaging or containers. Wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight storage containers. Limit air exposure and prevent cross-contamination.
Use within timeline
Cook raw chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing it. Eat leftover cooked chicken within 3-4 days. Do not go by smell alone – adhere to recommendations for maximum storage times.
Avoid temperature fluctuations
Prevent chicken from repeatedly warming up to room temperature then cooling again. Temperature fluctuations accelerate spoilage. Do not leave chicken to thaw on the counter.
Sanitize surfaces
Disinfect countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and hands immediately after handling raw chicken. This prevents spread of bacteria that could lead to early spoilage.
| Prevention Tips | Details |
| Proper temperature | Store raw chicken at 40°F, cooked to 165°F |
| Airtight storage | Prevent air exposure and cross-contamination |
| Use within timeline | 1-2 days raw, 3-4 days cooked chicken |
| Avoid temperature fluctuations | Prevent repeated cooling and warming |
| Sanitize surfaces | Disinfect after handling raw chicken |
What should you do if you ate spoiled chicken?
If you suspect you ate spoiled raw or undercooked chicken, take the following steps:
Seek medical care
Consult a doctor, especially if experiencing food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or bloody stools. You may need medical treatment for dehydration or infection.
Call authorities
Notify public health officials if food poisoning is suspected. This helps identify outbreak sources and prevent others from getting sick.
Rehydrate
Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broth, and electrolyte beverages. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration.
Rest
Get adequate rest to allow your body to fight the illness. Foodborne infections can be more severe and last longer without proper rest.
Eat bland foods
Stick to easy-to-digest foods like toast, rice, applesauce, and noodles. Avoid dairy, spices, oils, and high-fiber foods until recovered.
Take over-the-counter medicine
Pepto-Bismol can help treat nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve fever and body aches. Use as directed.
Practice good hygiene
Wash hands thoroughly after using the restroom. Disinfect surfaces that raw chicken may have touched. This prevents spread to others.
Conclusion
Chicken spoilage is no small matter. Consuming rotten chicken can lead to foodborne illness, which sends over 1 million Americans to the emergency room yearly. Be vigilant about checking for signs of spoilage and avoiding chicken that smells, looks, or feels bad. Store chicken properly and adhere to use-by dates. Seek medical care if you suspect food poisoning. With proper precautions, you can enjoy chicken safely and prevent needless sickness.
