Dont let that chicken go to waste.
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What do food waste and foodborne illness have in common?
Still, you might find yourself tossing out meat you just bought a few days ago.
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But you also don’t want to waste food if you’re able to preserve itgroceries are expensive!
Here are some food storage and preserving tips for raw and cooked chicken.
Unfortunately, raw chicken is highly perishable, even in the refrigerator.
This applies to whole chicken or various cuts likechicken breast, thighs, and drumsticks.
It also applies to raw turkey.
Once two days have passed, the USDA would recommend throwing it out to be on the safe side.
Store chicken wrapped in a plastic bag or in an airtight container on the bottom shelf.
Chicken should be plump and springy, feel firm, and be free of any cosmetic flaws.
Fresh chicken will have pink flesh with white or yellow fat.
(If it looks pale or gray, thats a hard pass.)
Inspect the packaging while youre at it.
In fact, if you cooked your raw chicken within the recommended two-day window, a new countdown begins.
Cooked chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.
If you plan on leaving anyleftoversin the fridge, allow the chicken to cool before refrigerating it.
This can help prevent the growth of bacteria.
Spoiled chicken will have a noticeable and unpleasant smell, and it may appear slimy.
Color changes, such as turning gray or green, are also signs that chicken has gone bad.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Just be sure to freeze chicken within a day or two of bringing it home.
It’s important to properly package it to maintain the quality.
Store chicken in the freezer in an air-tight container or vacuum-sealed bag to prevent air exposure and freezer burn.
“Cold Food Storage Chart.”
“How long is meat or poultry safe to use after the sell-by date?
“AskUSDA U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“What are suggested refrigerator storage times for chicken?
“AskUSDA U.S. Department of Agriculture.
