How to Tell If the Raw Chicken in Your Fridge Is Bad

Not sure if that chicken y'all bought is nonetheless good to eat? Here's what wellness experts and a chef say to do.

January 5, 2021

How many times take you bought chicken breasts, thighs, or cutlets from the grocery store for a recipe y'all planned on making that night only instead, you ended upwardly ordering take-out and stowed the raw meat into the depths of your refrigerator? We've all washed information technology and we're not hither to estimate you. Withal, there's something you lot should be mindful of after y'all decide to save that pre-cut chicken for a later on date—whether information technology's even so fresh. That brings upwards the real question: do you know how to tell if chicken is bad?

This is important to learn, seeing equally some 48 million people, or most 1 in 6 Americans, are sickened from a foodborne disease every yr with 1 million of those cases having to exercise with craven, according to the Centers for Affliction Command and Prevention. Salmonella, the pathogen that's found in uncooked eggs and poultry, is the second leading pathogen to cause domestically acquired (food made in your home) foodborne illness. We consulted head chef at HelloFresh, Claudia Sidoti, for the lowdown on how to cheque if your craven is still good to eat or if it'south fourth dimension to toss information technology out, only offset, we're going to epitomize why information technology can be dangerous.

Why is raw chicken bad for you?

Several types of bacteria can alive on chicken before it'due south cooked. Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens can cause symptoms like fever, diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, and dehydration. These dangerous bacteria can be transmitted if chicken is undercooked, but too if raw chicken is out and comes into contact with cutting boards, countertops, utensils, or other foods, the CDC says. Storing raw chicken on its own is a adept idea. This mode juices don't come up into contact with anything else in your kitchen.

And afterward handling refrigerated or frozen raw chicken, y'all should always wash your easily for at least 20 seconds with lather and warm water to prevent the spread of germs.

What are the tell-tale signs that raw craven has gone bad?

At that place are three easy means you tin immediately bank check to see if your chicken has peaked far past information technology'south prime in one case information technology's stored properly.

  • Kickoff, Sidoti advises looking for a change in color. "Fresh, raw chicken should have a pinkish, fleshy color. As information technology starts to go bad, the colour fades to a shade of gray. If the color starts to look duller, yous should utilize it immediately," she says. All the same, once the meat begins to expect grey, then it'south time to toss out that chicken.
  • Second, Sidoti says to trust your nose. "Raw chicken that has gone bad has a very strong smell. Sometimes it can be described as a sour olfactory property. If the craven has taken on an scent of whatsoever sort, it's safest to toss it," she explains.
  • Thirdly, the chef instructs to feel the meat. That'southward correct, only get right in there and touch it to decide if it'due south dangerous to eat. "Raw chicken naturally has a glossy, slimy texture," she says. However, if the meat is actress slimy that'southward another indication that could accept gone bad.

Is in that location whatever way to salvage raw chicken that may have already spoiled?

Basically, if it's gone bad, your best bet is to just throw it out.

"It'due south usually safe to just toss it," says Sidoti. "You lot put yourself at serious risk of getting sick."

Notation: The expiration date may also be labeled as the "sell by" date. Brand sure to merely buy chicken earlier that projected appointment to ensure the most safety.

What almost cooked chicken—about how long does it last in the fridge?

"According to the USDA, cooked chicken stored in the fridge is safe to eat for 3 to four days if it is properly stored," says Sidoti. "If yous desire to further extend shelf life, yous can shop it in the freezer where it will concluding for about 3 months. Once stored in the freezer, have it out the night before and let it thaw in the fridge."

The big takeaway: Don't allow that cooked meat hang out in the fridge for a week! You can tell if cooked chicken has gone bad if information technology gives off a rancid scent or is start to look gray. Again, trust your senses.

Related: The Best and Worst Fast-Food Chicken Sandwiches, According to a Dietitian

Any tips on how to further foreclose raw chicken from going bad?

In that location is one elementary trick to ensuring your craven does not quickly spoil: Fresh chicken must be kept common cold, so don't ever allow it sit out on the counter, table, or anywhere that isn't refrigerated below xl degrees Fahrenheit.

"This volition extend its shelf life and prevent the growth of leaner. Co-ordinate to the USDA, raw chicken volition only keep in the fridge for nearly one to two days," says Sidoti. "If kept in the freezer, it should stay safe to thaw and swallow for up to nine to 12 months."

And she'due south right. The U.Southward. Department of Health & Human Services says a raw, whole chicken can final that long, but if information technology's in pieces, information technology can last for one to two days in the fridge merely only nine months in the freezer.

Anything else to know nearly how to tell if the chicken in your fridge is bad?

Sidoti says, "When in doubt, throw it out!"

You heard the chef; it's better to be rubber than sorry.

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