Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, once cooked, can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If unopened and bought pre-made from the store, it should be consumed by the sell-by date printed on the package, but can usually last in the fridge for another 1-2 days after that date. If you've frozen your Chicken Parmesan, it can last up to 4-6 months in the freezer.

To tell if Chicken Parmesan has gone bad, first give it a sniff. If it has a sour, pungent, or just overall off smell, it's best not to eat it. Visually, if you see mold or other discolorations on the cheese or marinara sauce, or if the chicken has a slimy or tacky texture, these are signs it has gone bad. When in doubt, it's safer to toss it out than risk food poisoning.

• Always cool your Chicken Parmesan before storing it in the refrigerator. If you put it in the fridge while it's still hot, it could increase the overall temperature, potentially spoiling other food. • Divide large amounts into smaller portions for quicker cooling. • To freeze, tightly wrap your cooled Chicken Parmesan in aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label your bag with the date it was made for future reference. • When defrosting, move it to the fridge the night before you plan to eat it to allow for slow, safe thawing. Do not defrost on the counter as this can encourage bacterial growth. • To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it's hot and bubbly, usually about 20-30 minutes. This will help maintain the crispy crust and deliciously melt the cheese.