Shelf Life Tips
- How long does a whole raw chicken last in the fridge or freezer? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep chicken refrigerated at all times.
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How long does a whole raw chicken last in the refrigerator? After chicken is purchased, it may be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days - the "sell-by" date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the chicken will remain safe to use after the sell by date if it has been properly stored.
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Unopened a whole raw chicken may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of chicken, do not open the package until ready to use.
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How long does a whole raw chicken last at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; chicken should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
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To further extend the shelf life of a whole raw chicken, freeze; when freezing, place chicken in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
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You can maximize the shelf life of chicken in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn.
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How long does a whole raw chicken last in the freezer? Properly stored, whole raw chicken will maintain best quality for about one year in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - chicken that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does a whole raw chicken last after being frozen and thawed? Chicken that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking; chicken that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately.
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How long does chicken last in the fridge once it is cooked? Cooked chicken will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer.
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How to tell if a whole raw chicken is bad? The best way is to smell and look at the chicken: signs of bad chicken are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any chicken with an off smell or appearance.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
