Shelf Life Tips
- How long does a can of chicken last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened chicken refrigerated and tightly covered.
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To maximize the shelf life of canned chicken (or chicken sold in a vacuum-sealed pouch) after opening, refrigerate in a covered glass or plastic container.
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How long does opened canned chicken last in the refrigerator? Chicken that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 4 days.
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Is canned chicken safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged chicken 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 will remain at peak quality.
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To further extend the shelf life of opened canned chicken, freeze it: to freeze canned chicken, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long does canned chicken last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only – canned chicken that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does canned chicken last after being frozen and thawed? Canned chicken that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; chicken that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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How can you tell if opened canned chicken is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the chicken: if the chicken develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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Discard all chicken from cans or pouches that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
