Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Chicken Stir Fry expire?
Chicken Stir Fry, when freshly cooked, can be safely consumed within 3-4 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, if it’s unopened, frozen chicken stir fry bought from the store can last up to three months. Once opened and refrigerated, aim to eat it within 1-2 days to ensure the vegetables and chicken are still of good quality. Lastly, if it’s homemade and frozen, it can last around 2-3 months in the freezer.
How do you tell if Chicken Stir Fry is bad?
To spot a bad chicken stir fry, firstly look for any change in color. Chicken that has gone off will have a greyish or dark color. If the stir fry has a sour or strong unpleasant smell, it indicates that it is spoiled. Vegetables should remain colorful and crisp; if they are mushy or discolored, it's a sign of spoiling. Finally, if the food tastes sour or off, don't eat it!
Tips for storing Chicken Stir Fry to extend shelf life
• Always place your chicken stir fry in an airtight container before storing it in the fridge or freezer, to avoid it absorbing other odors or becoming stale.
• When refrigerating, don’t put the hot stir fry directly in the fridge; allow it to cool down a bit at room temperature (not more than two hours), to avoid increasing the overall temperature of your fridge.
• If you choose to freeze your chicken stir fry, portion it into meal size amounts. This way, you only defrost what you need, and the rest can remain frozen, maintaining its quality.
• As for defrosting, it's best to plan ahead and let your stir fry defrost slowly by moving it from the freezer to the fridge. Quick defrosting methods can compromise the texture and taste of your stir fry.