Chicken is considered to be a staple meat in many households.



However, this wonderful protein source is at high risk of getting contaminated. This is the reason it's crucial to prepare, store and cook it in a safe manner. It may cause foodborne diseases.


It is easy to keep chicken in the fridge but many people wonder how chickens can be kept in the refrigerator.


This article will tell you the length of time chicken can last in your refrigerator.



How long can chicken last in the fridge?



According to the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA"), raw chickens can be kept in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 days. Similar rules apply to turkeys that are raw, and other poultry.


You can keep the cooked chikem in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.


The idea of storing chicken in the fridge helps slow bacterial growth, as bacteria tend to grow slower in temperatures lower than 40 degF (4degC).


It is essential to store raw chicken in a leak-proof container. This will stop the juices from spilling out or contaminating other food items. Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container.


It is possible to store chicken in the freezer in case it is needed for longer than a couple of weeks.


Whole chickens or small pieces of chicken in raw form can be stored in the freezer for upto nine months. Cooked chicken can be stored in the freezer for a period of 2 to 6 months.


Summary


The raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, while chicken that has been cooked will last anywhere between 3-4 days.



How can you determine if a chicken is bad



There's a possibility that chicken is rotten if it's been in the fridge for more days than it's needed.


Here are some signs that your chicken isn't goodenough:



Beyond its "best-if-used before/before date" This means that the chicken will likely be damaged.


Color alters. Raw chicken or cooked chicken has a grayish-green color. The spots that have gray-to-green mold could indicate a bacterial infection.


What is it odor as? When How long does raw chicken last in the fridge is cooked, raw or cooked, it releases an acidic smell. The smell may turn ammonia-like as the chicken goes bad. It's possible to overlook the smell of ammonia if your chicken has been marinated with sauces and herbs.


Texture. The chicken that has a slimy texture is now rotten. The chicken can be rinsed to kill the bacteria. Instead, it could spread bacteria from chicken to other foods and surfaces, leading to cross-contamination.



You can throw away any chicken you have found in your fridge if you believe it's not safe.


Summary


If chicken is stale the color of the chicken will begin to fade. It will be sour, acidic, or slimy smell.



Risks associated with eating chicken that has been spoiled



Consuming spoiled chicken could result in food poisoning or foodborne illness.


Since chickens can be infected, it is at high risk of getting food poisoning.


This bacteria is usually removed by cooking fresh chicken.


However, it's still best to be careful not to cook and eat spoiled chicken. While re-heating or cooking may kill surface bacteria, it won't eliminate some of the toxins that are produced by bacteria, which can cause food poisoning if you eat the contaminated chicken.


Food poisoning can cause pain and even death.


Sometimes severe food poisoning can result in hospitalization or even death.


Do not eat the chicken in the event that it appears like it's been rotten. It is best to dispose of any chicken you suspect has been rotten.


A SUMMARY


Even if the chicken was cooked perfectly Food poisoning can occur after eating it.



The bottom line



Raw chicken keeps in the fridge for about two days. Cooked chicken keeps for 3-4 days.


Look up the "best by" date to determine if the bird is rotten. Also, look out for signs like a change in smell, texture or color.


Don't eat chicken that is rotten in case it causes food poisoning -- even if you cook it thoroughly.