Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Smothered Chicken expire?
An unopened, store-bought smothered chicken meal typically stays good for about 1-2 days after the 'sell by' date if it has been refrigerated correctly. Once opened, it should be consumed within 3-4 days. Homemade smothered chicken will usually last for 2-3 days in the fridge. If frozen on the day of cooking, an already cooked smothered chicken can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
How do you tell if Smothered Chicken is bad?
Freshly prepared or store-bought smothered chicken might have gone bad if it has a sour smell, or if the texture seems slimy or too mushy. If the chicken part has turned grey or there are moldy spots visible, it's definitely time to throw it out. Much depends on the accompanying sauce as well, if it appears understandably thick, has developed a pungent smell or changed color radically, it's best to discard the pack.
Tips for storing Smothered Chicken to extend shelf life
• Always store the smothered chicken in a tight-sealing container. Avoid leaving it in its store packaging.
• Place the container at the back of the refrigerator where temperatures are stable, as opposed to the refrigerator door that’s subject to temperature fluctuations.
• Consider portioning out larger amounts of smothered chicken before freezing. This way, you can defrost exactly what you need and avoid waste.