Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a food safety expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. I specialize in the science behind food spoilage and how to prevent it.

Your question about how long you can keep chicken in the fridge is a crucial one.
Chicken is a highly perishable food, meaning it can spoil quickly if not stored properly.

The general rule of thumb is that raw chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. This is based on the USDA's guidelines, which state that raw chicken should be used within 2 days of purchase.

However, there are a few factors that can influence how long you can keep chicken in the refrigerator:


1. The temperature of your refrigerator: Your refrigerator should be maintained at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. If your refrigerator temperature is above this, chicken will spoil more quickly.


2. How the chicken was stored: It's essential to store chicken properly in the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. Raw chicken should always be stored on a low shelf in the refrigerator, below other foods to prevent juices from dripping onto other items. It's also crucial to store chicken in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.


3. The quality of the chicken: Chicken that is close to its expiration date will spoil more quickly than chicken that is fresh. If you are unsure about the quality of your chicken, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.


4. The type of chicken: Whole chicken tends to have a longer shelf life than chicken parts because it has less surface area exposed to air.


5. Frozen chicken: Frozen chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, it is best to use frozen chicken within 1-2 months for the best quality.

Here are some additional tips for storing chicken in the refrigerator:

* Never thaw chicken at room temperature. This can allow bacteria to multiply rapidly.
* Thaw chicken in the refrigerator. This is the safest way to thaw chicken.
* Cook chicken thoroughly. The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat.

It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and the actual shelf life of chicken may vary depending on several factors. If you are unsure about the safety of your chicken, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Food safety is paramount and can prevent foodborne illnesses.

Remember, a little extra care when storing chicken in the fridge can go a long way in ensuring its safety and preventing food poisoning.
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Poultry pieces are safe in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and safe in the freezer for up to nine months. Cooked poultry is safe refrigerated for 3-4 days and in the freezer for 2-6 months.read more >>