When storing raw chicken in the refrigerator after opening the package, it is important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Here are some tips for properly storing raw chicken in the fridge:
Use the Chicken Within 1-2 Days
Raw chicken should only be stored in the fridge for 1 to 2 days maximum after opening the package. Any longer than that, and the quality and safety of the chicken begins to decline. This is because raw chicken contains bacteria that can multiply rapidly at refrigerator temperatures. Storing the chicken for more than a couple days gives the bacteria more time to grow to dangerous levels.
Put Chicken on a Plate or in a Container
Don’t just place the raw chicken package directly on your refrigerator shelf. This can lead to juices dripping down and contaminating your fridge. Instead, remove the chicken from the packaging and place it on a clean plate, in a plastic storage container, or in a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the plate or container is not one you use for cooked foods or ready-to-eat foods.
Cover the Chicken
Be sure to cover or tightly wrap the raw chicken. You can cover the plate or container with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If storing in a bag, make sure it is sealed. Covering the chicken helps prevent cross-contamination by keeping the raw juices and bacteria contained.
Store on Bottom Shelf
Place the wrapped raw chicken on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, which is the coldest area. The colder temperature helps slow bacteria growth. Store raw meats on the bottom shelf to prevent their juices from dripping onto other foods below.
Keep at 40°F or Below
Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or below. This temperature prevents most bacteria from multiplying rapidly. Check the temperature with a refrigerator thermometer periodically to ensure it maintains this cold temperature inside.
Avoid Other Foods
Be sure to store the raw chicken in a way that prevents its juices from dripping on or touching any other foods in your fridge. Keep it securely wrapped and on a shelf away from fresh produce, deli items, desserts and other ready-to-eat foods.
Wash Hands After Handling
Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling raw poultry. This helps avoid spreading bacteria to other surfaces, foods or people.
Use Within 1-2 Days
For optimal freshness and food safety, plan to cook or freeze the raw chicken within 1 to 2 days of purchasing it and refrigerating it at home. The longer raw chicken sits in the fridge, the more the quality deteriorates.
How to Know if Chicken Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that raw chicken has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat:
- Slimy texture or sticky layer on surface
- Noticeable change in color, such as chicken turning grey
- Off-putting or sour odor
- Discoloration of meat
- Expiration date passed
When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Proper Thawing of Chicken
Always thaw frozen raw chicken properly before refrigerating it:
- In the refrigerator: Place chicken in a container or on a plate to catch juices. Allow 1 day to thaw per 1 pound of chicken.
- In cold water: Submerge sealed chicken bag in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per 1 pound of chicken.
- In the microwave: Follow microwave oven manufacturer’s thawing guidelines. Cook chicken immediately after thawing.
Do not thaw chicken at room temperature or in hot water, as this allows bacteria to grow rapidly.
How Long Does Raw Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Here is how long raw chicken lasts in the refrigerator, depending on the type:
| Type of Chicken | Refrigerator Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Raw whole chicken | 1-2 days |
| Raw chicken pieces | 1-2 days |
| Raw chicken breast or thighs | 3-5 days |
| Raw chicken legs | 3-5 days |
| Raw chicken giblets | 1-2 days |
Remember, these timelines are for raw chicken that has been continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below from the time of purchase. The sooner you use the chicken after bringing it home, the better.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Raw Chicken?
It is not recommended to refreeze raw chicken after it has been thawed. Any bacteria present in the chicken will not be killed by freezing. Refreezing will simply pause bacteria growth. It is best to cook thawed chicken immediately and either eat it or store properly in the fridge for 1-2 days.
How to Freeze Raw Chicken
To safely freeze raw chicken for longer storage:
- Make sure chicken was purchased fresh and kept at 40°F refrigerator temperature prior to freezing.
- Do not freeze chicken past its “Sell By” or expiration date.
- Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, freezer paper or foil. This prevents freezer burn.
- Place wrapped chicken in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Label package with date and contents.
- Freeze immediately at 0°F or below.
- Use frozen chicken within 9 months for best quality.
Should Raw Chicken Be Rinsed Before Cooking?
Washing or rinsing raw chicken before cooking it is not recommended. The spray from washing chicken can spread bacteria to counters, hands and other surfaces. Cooking chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F kills any bacteria present, so washing beforehand is unnecessary.
How to Cook Chicken Safely
To ensure chicken is cooked safely to destroy harmful bacteria:
- Use a food thermometer to check internal temperature, inserting into thickest part of chicken. Temperature should reach 165°F.
- Do not partially cook chicken and finish cooking later. Always cook fully to 165°F.
- Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards, plates and counters that touched raw chicken before reuse.
- Do not place cooked chicken back on same plate or cutting board used for raw chicken.
Can You Get Sick from Spoiled Chicken?
Yes, eating spoiled, undercooked or contaminated chicken can make you very sick. Chicken is prone to contamination by bacteria, especially if not handled properly. Eating bad chicken can lead to food poisoning symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Headache
Serious complications are possible in some cases if the particular strain of bacteria is especially hazardous, or if the person infected has a compromised immune system. Food poisoning from chicken should be reported to a doctor.
How to Tell If Chicken Has Gone Bad
Here are some ways you can tell if raw chicken has spoiled and may contain dangerous bacteria:
- Slimy texture
- Grey color
- Weird sour or ammonia smell
- Discoloration
- Slimy sticky residue on surface
Chicken that is past its use by date or has been in the fridge too long should also be discarded.
Can You Get Salmonella from Chicken?
Yes, raw chicken can contain Salmonella bacteria and lead to Salmonella poisoning or salmonellosis. Salmonella infection usually causes the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
In rare cases, Salmonella infection can be life-threatening, especially in infants, elderly and those with compromised immune systems. See a doctor right away if salmonellosis symptoms are severe.
Does Cooking Chicken Kill Salmonella?
Yes, thoroughly cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F kills Salmonella and other dangerous bacteria that may be present. Safe handling of raw chicken during prep and avoiding cross-contamination of foods and surfaces are also important to prevent illness.
Conclusion
Properly storing raw chicken in the refrigerator after opening the package helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. Be sure to use the chicken within 1-2 days of refrigeration, keep at 40°F or below, seal tightly, place on the bottom shelf, and avoid contamination of other foods. Freezing uncooked chicken also allows for longer storage. Always thaw, prepare and cook chicken thoroughly before eating to destroy harmful bacteria like Salmonella.
