Butter Chicken

Unopened, store-bought butter chicken can usually last up to a week past the sell-by date printed on its packaging. Once opened, you'd ideally want to consume it within 3-5 days. If you've made your own butter chicken at home, try to consume it within 4-5 days. You can also freeze butter chicken, which can extend the shelf life to about 2-3 months.

You can tell if butter chicken has gone bad by a few signs. First, if it has a sour or an unpleasant odor, it's a sign that it's past its prime. The same applies if you see any signs of mold or if the chicken appears to be slimy or sticky. Additionally, if you've tasted it and it doesn't quite taste like it should, it's best not to risk it. Oftentimes, harmful bacteria or microbes that cause food to go bad may not produce an odor or visual cue. So, when in doubt, throw it out!

• Store butter chicken in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator. If you have leftovers, aim to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. • If you are planning to freeze the butter chicken, it actually freezes quite well. Just ensure you're using a freezer-safe container or bag and you've removed as much air out of the bag as possible. • Before you reheat the butter chicken, defrost it in the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw safely without becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. • Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to leftover butter chicken can help keep it fresh a bit longer thanks to the antibacterial properties of the citrus fruit. Plus, it adds an extra tangy flavor!