Chicken is good for health, easy to cook, can be used in many dishes, and can satisfy the pickiest eaters, at an affordable price. As it is a high-frequency food, many housewives stock up on it so they can always take it out to cook.
However, many people are still unsure how long chicken can be kept in the refrigerator. Knowing this timeframe will ensure that you always use chicken when it is still fresh and safe.
How long can chicken be kept in the refrigerator?
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Storing chicken in the fridge helps slow down the growth of bacteria – organisms that tend to grow slower at temperatures below 4°C.
Raw chicken should be stored in a sealed container to prevent the release of water and contamination of other foods.
According to Healthline, if you want to store chicken for a long time, it is best to put it in the freezer. Raw chicken pieces can be stored here for up to 9 months, while a whole chicken can be stored for 1 year. Cooked chicken can be stored in the freezer for 2-6 months.
How long can chicken be kept in the refrigerator? Raw chicken can only be kept for 1-2 days, cooked chicken can be kept for 3-4 days in the refrigerator compartment. (Photo: Recipes)
When freezing cooked chicken, you should mark the date of freezing on the bag to remember to use the chicken when it is still good.
Note when storing chicken in the refrigerator
You have to let the chicken cool completely before putting it in the refrigerator. Not only chicken, but all hot foods in general, if put in the refrigerator, will affect the quality of the food and the refrigerator.
Use plastic wrap to tightly wrap the chicken. In the refrigerator, there are many other foods that can make the chicken smell. You should wrap the chicken with 2-3 layers of plastic wrap. Or you can put the chicken in a box, then wrap it with plastic wrap, and close the lid tightly.
When taking boiled chicken out of the freezer to reheat for eating, you need to use it all and not put it back in the refrigerator for further storage.
For raw chicken, before putting it in the refrigerator for storage, you should wash it thoroughly, let it dry, then put it in a box, close the lid tightly, and stack it neatly in the refrigerator. Avoid placing chicken near other foods to limit cross-contamination.
Thawed raw chicken should also be cooked completely, do not freeze it again.
How to thaw chicken
There are three ways to thaw chicken.
– Take the chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator: This is considered the safest method but takes longer, so you need to plan ahead for the meal. Put the frozen chicken in a box and take it to the refrigerator at least 24 hours before cooking. With this method, you can keep the chicken in the refrigerator for another 1-2 days after thawing.
– Use cold water: This method is faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but you need to pay continuous attention. Put the chicken in a box and soak it in a large bowl of water. It may take from 2 to 3 hours to thaw a chicken, and you need to make sure to change the soaking water every 30 minutes. Chicken thawed this way needs to be cooked immediately.
– Use a microwave: Put the chicken in a microwave-safe container, cover it, then place it in the microwave, set the defrost mode for 30-40 minutes for a whole chicken or 6-8 minutes for a 450g chicken piece. With this method, you need to cook immediately after thawing.
According to VTC news
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