How Long Does Raw Chicken Last In the Fridge?
And is it safe to eat after the sell-by date?
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By Layla Khoury-Hanold for Food Network Kitchen
Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network.
Chicken is a crowd-pleasing, go-to protein for many home cooks. But its perishability leaves many of us wondering how long it really lasts in the fridge. For expert guidance, we consulted Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND, award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Family Immunity Cookbook.
How Long Does Raw Chicken Last In the Fridge?
Fresh, whole chicken or chicken parts will last for 1 to 2 days when stored in the refrigerator, according to FDA guidelines. “Once you cook chicken or chicken dishes, your food should not sit out at room temperature for over 2 hours—or over 1 hour if the temperature is 90 degrees F or above,” Amidor says. For more tips on how to safely handle and store cooked chicken, check out our primer, How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?.
How to Store Raw Chicken In the Fridge
Store raw chicken in a refrigerator set to 40 degrees F or below. Be sure to refrigerate chicken within 2 hours of purchase to prevent bacterial growth. Amidor advises storing raw chicken in a plastic bag or container in the lower part of the refrigerator so it doesn't risk dripping onto other items. “Avoid storing raw chicken above ready-to-eat-food, like produce, in case it does leak,” she says.
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How Long Is Chicken Good for After Sell By Date?
Fresh chicken should be cooked or frozen within 1 to 2 days of purchase, according to USDA guidelines. “While product dating is not generally required by federal regulations, many stores and processors may voluntarily date packages of fresh or uncooked meat and poultry products,” Amidor says. When in doubt, throw it out. For more tips of safe handling and perishability, check out our guide, How to Tell If Chicken Is Bad.
How Long Will Chicken Last In the Freezer?
Raw chicken parts can be frozen for up to 9 months and a whole fresh chicken for up to 1 year. “If freezing chicken, then store in its original package no longer than 2 months,” Amidor says. “It is recommended to overwrap the packages with airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper, or place the package inside a plastic bag.”
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