Lemon Pepper Chicken

When it comes to expiration, pre-packaged unopened Lemon Pepper Chicken can last up to a week past its ‘use by’ date, as defined by dates manufacturers guarantee full potency and safety. On the other hand, once the package has been opened, the chicken should be used within 3-4 days. If it’s a home-cooked meal, it's wise to consume it within 3-4 days too. If necessary, you can freeze Lemon Pepper Chicken to extend its life up to 4-6 months, by placing it in the freezer within 2 hours of cooking.

The way to know that Lemon Pepper Chicken has gone bad differs if it's precooked or raw. For raw chicken, if you note a change in color to gray or greenish tones, or a foul smell, it's a clear sign it's no good. If it's precooked, check for a sour smell, watch for changes in color or if it has a slimy texture. Also, if you taste the chicken and it seems off, it's likely not safe to eat. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to matters of food safety!

• Always store Lemon Pepper Chicken in the refrigerator or freezer. • If you are storing the chicken in the refrigerator, make sure it's well wrapped in airtight containers or sealed bags to avoid any bacteria. • Let cooked chicken cool off a bit before you refrigerate or freeze. But don’t let it cool too long! The USDA recommends refrigerating chicken within 2 hours of cooking for safety. • If you plan to freeze the chicken, divide it into meal portions you can defrost individually. This way, you’ll only need to defrost what you need and keep the rest frozen, reducing waste. • When defrosting, always do it in the fridge. This is the safest way to do it and avoids the chicken sitting too long at room temperature, which could promote bacterial growth.