Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Chicken Divan expire?
Chicken Divan, being a delicacy that's mostly home-prepared, has a shelf life very much dependent on the freshest ingredient used to prepare it. Once it's been made, you should ideally eat it within 3-4 days if it's been stored in the fridge at constant temperature of less than 40°F. If you've received it refrigerated from a store, then make sure to consume it within it's sell-by date, usually a couple of days from the day of purchase. Now if it's frozen, it can last between 2 to 3 months in the freezer at 0°F or below.
How do you tell if Chicken Divan is bad?
There are certain tell-tale signs when Chicken Divan has gone bad. Look out for changes in color, usually a change to a darker shade or presence of gray or greenish spots is a sure shot sign of the dish having gone bad. Smell it - a sour or off-putting smell indicates spoilage. Lastly, if the dish has a slimy or sticky texture, it’s a sign to throw it away.
Tips for storing Chicken Divan to extend shelf life
• Store the dish in a tightly sealed container to avoid air exposure.
• Always refrigerate leftovers within two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• To freeze Chicken Divan, use a heavy duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and remember to date the dish.
• Always thaw it slowly in the refrigerator when you are ready to use it. Avoiding fast thawing at room temperature can limit bacterial growth.
• For longer storage, consider separating your Chicken Divan into smaller, meal-sized portions before freezing.