How Long Do Frozen Chicken Tenders or Nuggets Last?

CHICKEN TENDERS / CHICKEN NUGGETS - PURCHASED COMMERCIALLY FROZEN

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6-9 months (best quality)

 

Shelf Life Tips

  • How long do frozen chicken tenders or nuggets last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep chicken tenders or nuggets frozen at all times.
  • Properly stored, frozen chicken tenders or nuggets will maintain best quality for about 6 months in the freezer, although they will usually remain safe to eat after that.
  • Are frozen chicken tenders or nuggets safe to eat after the expiration date on the package? Yes, if properly stored - commercially frozen chicken tenders or nuggets will typically carry a Best By," "Best if Used By," Best Before, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the chicken tenders or nuggets will remain at peak quality.
  • How long will frozen chicken tenders or nuggets remain safe to eat? Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely, as long as they have been stored properly and the package is not damaged.
  • How long can you safely leave frozen chicken tenders or nuggets at room temperature? Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature, as bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F.
  • How to tell if frozen chicken tenders or nuggets are no longer good? If dry spots or discoloration have developed on the frozen chicken tenders or nuggets, freezer burn has begun to set in - this will not make the chicken tenders or nuggets unsafe to eat, but it will harm the texture and taste.

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