Meat & Seafood
How to Store Chicken
Keep raw chicken cold, sealed, and on the bottom shelf.
Pantry
Never
Fridge
Raw: 1–2 days; Cooked: 3–4 days
Freezer
Raw: up to 9 months; Cooked: 2–3 months
How to store it
- •Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf in a sealed container so juices can't drip onto other foods.
- •Freeze it in portioned freezer bags with the air pressed out if not using within a day or two.
- •Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge, never on the counter.
Signs it has gone bad
- •Sour or sulfur smell
- •Slimy or sticky surface
- •Gray or greenish color
- •Dull, tacky texture
Pro tips
- •Label freezer bags with the date.
- •Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Frequently asked questions
How long does chicken last in the fridge?+
In the refrigerator, chicken keeps for raw: 1–2 days; cooked: 3–4 days. Store it correctly and use the oldest first.
Can you freeze chicken?+
Yes. Chicken keeps in the freezer for raw: up to 9 months; cooked: 2–3 months. Wrap tightly and press out excess air to avoid freezer burn.
What is the best way to store chicken?+
Best kept in the refrigerator / freezer. Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf in a sealed container so juices can't drip onto other foods.
How can you tell if chicken has gone bad?+
Signs that chicken has spoiled include: sour or sulfur smell, slimy or sticky surface, gray or greenish color. When in doubt, throw it out.
Recipes to use your chicken
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