Thai Chicken

If Thai Chicken is bought pre-packaged and unopened, it can typically last in the fridge for up to 4 days past its sell-by date. Once you've opened or prepared it, your Thai Chicken should be consumed within 3 to 4 days. If you've cooked up a batch of homemade Thai Chicken, it should be eaten within 3 to 4 days as well. However, if you choose to freeze your Thai Chicken, either cooked or uncooked, it can extend it's life up to 3 to 4 months. I must reiterate though, always remember to defrost safely in the refrigerator and not on the counter, to avoid bacterial growth!

Checking if your Thai Chicken has gone bad is not too tricky! First, give it a good look. Any sign of mold, discoloration or a slimy feel are clear indicators that it's time to discard it. Smell is another strong indicator as fresh chicken should not have a strong, unpleasant odor. If you notice any off-putting smell at all, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Finally, if you've already cooked your Thai Chicken and the texture seems tough or rubbery, then it's a sure sign that it isn't as fresh as it should be.

• Always store your Thai Chicken in the refrigerator as soon as possible and certainly within two hours of cooking or buying. • Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to store your Thai Chicken in the fridge. This helps retain the flavor, keep it fresh and hinder bacteria growth! • For freezing, separate the portion you want to freeze into individual serving sizes. It's easier to defrost and will prevent you from needing to defrost more than you need. • Always remember to label your containers with the date when it was stored. This could save you the guesswork of remembering when it was cooked or opened! • Lastly, plan your meals ahead of time so you can thaw your Thai Chicken safely in the refrigerator rather than resorting to quick (yet unsafe) defrosting methods.