Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Whole Chicken Dish expire?
A whole chicken dish, if homemade, is generally good for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Store-bought whole chicken dishes would also have a similar timeframe, typically indicated by the 'best-before' date on the packaging, starting from the date of purchase. If frozen, it can stay good for up to 1 year! Always remember to cool the chicken properly before refrigerating or freezing, to prevent bacterial growth.
How do you tell if Whole Chicken Dish is bad?
The easiest way to tell if a whole chicken dish has gone bad is to smell it. Off chicken has a distinctively unpleasant smell. When you touch it, the chicken may feel slimy and its color may turn grey. If you've reached this point, it's definitely time to toss the chicken. If you take a bite and it tastes off in any way, trust your instincts and don't risk eating it.
Tips for storing Whole Chicken Dish to extend shelf life
• Always store your whole chicken dish in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
• Choose a shallow, airtight container for storage to quicken cool down time and avoid bacterial growth.
• Before freezing, divide the chicken into meal-sized portions, this way you only need to defrost what you need.
• Use a freezer bag to freeze your chicken. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn.