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How long does chicken last in the fridge?

Refrigeration, signs of spoiling, and spoiled chicken risks

Given that chicken has a high risk of bacterial contamination, preparing, cooking, and storing it properly is important. This article explains how long chicken lasts in your fridge.

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How long does chicken last in the fridge?
Last updated on December 2, 2023, and last reviewed by an expert on November 28, 2022.

Chicken is considered a staple meat in many households.

How long does chicken last in the fridge?

However, this healthy and delicious source of protein has a high risk of bacterial contamination. That’s why preparing, storing, and cooking it properly is essential — otherwise, it could become a source of foodborne illness.

Storing chicken in your fridge is convenient, but many people wonder how long they can safely refrigerate chicken.

This article helps you understand just how long chicken lasts in your fridge.

In this article

How long does chicken last in the fridge?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be kept in your fridge for approximately 1–2 days. The same applies to raw turkey and other poultry.

Meanwhile, cooked chicken can last in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days.

Storing chicken in the fridge helps slow bacterial growth, as bacteria tend to grow slower in temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

Furthermore, raw chicken is best stored in a leak-proof container to prevent its juices from leaking and contaminating other foods. Cooked chicken should be refrigerated in an airtight container.

If you need to store the chicken for longer than a few days, it’s best to store it in your freezer.

Raw chicken pieces can be stored in the freezer for up to 9 months, while a whole chicken can be frozen for up to one year. Cooked chicken can be stored in the freezer for 2–6 months.

Summary: Raw chicken can last in your fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken can last for 3–4 days.

How to tell if chicken has gone bad

If you’ve left the chicken in the fridge for over a few days, there’s a chance it has gone bad.

Below are a few ways to tell if the chicken in your fridge has gone bad:

If you suspect the chicken in your fridge has gone bad, discard it.

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Summary: You can tell if the chicken has gone bad if its color has started to fade, it has developed a sour or acidic smell, or it has become slimy.

Risks of eating spoiled chicken

Eating spoiled chicken can cause foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning.

Chicken has a high risk of causing food poisoning, as it may be contaminated with bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and more.

Usually, these bacteria are eliminated when you cook fresh chicken thoroughly.

However, you still need to avoid cooking and eating spoiled chicken. Although reheating or cooking can kill surface bacteria, it won’t eliminate some of the toxins produced by bacteria, which can give you food poisoning if you eat them.

Food poisoning can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms, including a high fever (above 101.5°F or 38.6°C), chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and dehydration.

In some cases, severe food poisoning can require hospitalization and even lead to death.

If you suspect that your chicken is spoiled, do not eat it. It’s always best to discard chicken that you suspect has gone bad.

Summary: Eating spoiled chicken can cause food poisoning, even if cooked thoroughly.

Summary

Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days.

To detect if chicken has gone bad, check the “best if used by” date and look for signs of spoilage like changes in smell, texture, and color.

Suggested read: How long does leftover sushi last?

Avoid eating spoiled chicken, as it can cause food poisoning — even if you cook it thoroughly.

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