Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Honey Chicken expire?
Prepared honey chicken will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Freezing significantly extends its shelf life, with a good quality frost-free freezer keeping it safe indefinitely, however, for optimal taste, it should be consumed within 2-3 months. Unopened commercially-packaged honey chicken has a 'best before' date which is typically about 1-2 years from the date of manufacturing, but will be safe to eat beyond this time if the packet is still sealed, hasn't been damaged and has been stored correctly.
How do you tell if Honey Chicken is bad?
If your honey chicken has the telltale signs of going bad, toss it out. Take a good smell - if it has a sour, unpleasant odor, it’s time to say goodbye. Look at the texture too. If it appears slimy or moldy, that’s also a clear indication that the chicken should be discarded. Additionally, a change in color to grey or green is another sign the product has gone bad.
Tips for storing Honey Chicken to extend shelf life
• Always store your honey chicken in airtight containers or aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Divide large portions into smaller ones to cool faster and freeze easier.
• If you integrated raw vegetables in your recipe, consider storing them separately to help the chicken last longer.
• If you're freezing the honey chicken, allow it to cool down before storing to protect the quality.
• When you’re ready to enjoy your saved dish, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F.
• To avoid consuming bad honey chicken, it’s always a good idea to eat leftovers within three or four days of making it.