Expiration & Storage Tips
When does ground chicken expire?
Unopened ground chicken can last for one to two days in the fridge if fresh and up to four months in the freezer. Take note though, that anything beyond these periods could alter the taste and quality. Always check the 'best before' date on the packaging and if you froze it, don't forget to label with the freeze date. The clock starts ticking the moment you open the ground chicken, and you usually have about one to two days to use it up, in the fridge. Leftovers from meals made with ground chicken should be eaten within three to four days.
How do you tell if ground chicken is bad?
Spoiled ground chicken gives off a foul smell that's hard to miss. It also develops a slimy or tacky texture, may change in color to grey or greenish-brown, and could have a sour taste.
Tips for storing ground chicken to extend shelf life
• Store the ground chicken in the coldest part of your fridge which is usually the back, and never in the door area.
• If you won't be using it immediately, freeze it in its original packaging.
• To extend its shelf life in the freezer, wrap in aluminum foil or freezer paper, or place inside a freezer bag.
• For defrosting, move the frozen ground chicken to the fridge a day before you need to use it. Never defrost it at room temperature as this could lead to bacterial growth.
• Avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the raw ground chicken as this can lead to loss in quality.