Expiration & Storage Tips
When does chicken thigh expire?
Unopened chicken thighs can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator past the sell-by date. Once they've been opened or if they're homemade, they should last about 2 days in the fridge. However, if you've frozen your chicken thighs, they can last up to 9 months past the sell-by date. Just be sure to freeze them before the 2-day window is up!
How do you tell if chicken thigh is bad?
Chicken thigh has a number of signs to show it's gone bad. Firstly, an off smell is a clear sign. Good chicken should have a light, fresh smell. If it smells sour, or kind of like eggs, it's best not to eat it. Also, if the chicken is sticky or slimy to the touch, it may be bad. A change in color is another clear warning sign. While raw chicken can vary from bluish-white to yellow, if it starts looking grey or dull, it may be time to throw it away. Add to that a layer of weird-looking spots or growth, you definitely have spoiled chicken.
Tips for storing chicken thigh to extend shelf life
• Always store poultry at or below 40°F.
• Freeze it if you don’t plan to use it within these timeframes.
• Do not leave uncooked poultry out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. If the room’s temp is above 90°F, the limit is 1 hour.
• To thaw, place the frozen chicken thighs in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter. For quicker thawing, you may use the defrost function of your microwave.
• For better freezing, consider vacuum sealing the chicken thighs. This reduces air contact, which in turn extends the freezer life.