Expiration & Storage Tips
When does chicken wings expire?
Unopened chicken wings stored in a refrigerator will be safe to consume up to 2 days past the printed date on the package. Once the wings have been opened, they should be used within 1-2 days for the best quality. If you freeze your chicken wings, they can last up to 9 months. However, the quality will start to diminish after the first month.
How do you tell if chicken wings is bad?
Spoiled chicken wings will have a strong foul smell. The fresh wings should have a pinkish hue with no visible blemishes, while bad chicken wings turn grey or greenish and might be slimy to the touch. Any sign of mold is also a clear signal that the chicken wings have gone bad.
Tips for storing chicken wings to extend shelf life
• Always store chicken wings at 40°F (4°C) or below. If there's room, separate them out in the refrigerator so they cool more quickly.
• To store chicken wings in the freezer, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn and keep your wings at their best quality.
• To defrost chicken wings, place them in the refrigerator overnight. If in a hurry, you can also use the defrost function on your microwave, but be careful not to start cooking them.
• Avoid re-freezing thawed chicken wings to preserve quality and prevent bacterial growth.