Expiration & Storage Tips
When does whole chicken expire?
A whole uncooked chicken in the fridge will stay good for 1-2 days from the 'sell by' date on its packaging. However, if it's stored in the freezer, a whole chicken can last up to a year. Once cooked, leftover chicken should be consumed within 3-4 days when stored in the fridge, while its freezer life extends to about 2-6 months.
How do you tell if whole chicken is bad?
Fresh chicken is plump and should have a pinkish flesh. If it's gone bad, you will see noticeable changes. If the flesh is turning gray or greenish, or there's a foul smell, those are signs of spoilage. Similarly, if the chicken feels slimy or tacky to the touch, it means it's no longer safe to eat. For cooked chicken, if there's an off smell or mold, it's definitely spoiled.
Tips for storing whole chicken to extend shelf life
• Always store chicken at a temperature below 40°F to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Fresh chicken should be stored in the meat drawer or the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• If you plan on freezing the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• To defrost frozen chicken, it's best to leave it in the fridge overnight. However, if you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost function on your microwave, just be sure to cook it immediately after to prevent bacteria buildup.
• To extend the shelf life of cooked chicken, store it in shallow airtight containers or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.