Chicken is one of the most popular and versatile meats that can be used in various dishes. However, it is also one of the most perishable and prone to bacterial contamination. Therefore, it is essential to store chicken properly in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness, quality, and safety.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious and safe chicken dishes while minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
How to store chicken in refrigerator should be considered so durable. Because, often the chickens that have not been used are directly stored in the refrigerator.
Sometimes for the need for food stock at home, you need to store chicken meat in the freezer. Freezing chicken in the freezer is one of the most effective ways to make long-lasting chicken meat.
How to store chicken in refrigerator is actually easy to apply. Moreover, it is related to cold temperatures that can slow the growth of bacteria-causing decay, such as salmonella.
Why is it important to store chicken properly in the refrigerator?
Storing chicken properly in the refrigerator is important for two main reasons: to prevent bacteria growth and to preserve its quality.
To prevent bacteria growth
Raw chicken contains harmful bacteria such as campylobacter and salmonella, which can cause severe illness if ingested. These bacteria can multiply fast under improper storage conditions, such as high temperature, exposure to air, or contact with other foods.
The ideal temperature for storing chicken in the refrigerator is 40°F (4°C) or below. You should also store chicken in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags to prevent it from touching other foods or dripping juices.
To preserve its quality
Properly storing chicken in the refrigerator is crucial to maintain its quality. Fluctuating temperatures or leaving it at room temperature can lead to spoilage, causing an unpleasant odor, sliminess, or discoloration.
Following storage guidelines extends chicken’s shelf life, preserving its freshness and taste. Adhering to recommended time frames for use or freezing prevents deterioration
How to prepare chicken for storage in the refrigerator
Before storing chicken in the refrigerator, you should prepare it properly to ensure its safety and quality. Here are some steps to follow:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw chicken.
- Remove chicken from its original packaging and inspect it for any signs of spoilage, such as foul smell, slimy texture, or greenish color. If you notice any of these, discard the chicken immediately.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can promote bacterial growth and spoilage.
- Cut the chicken into smaller pieces if you plan to use it in different recipes or portions. This will make it easier to store and cook later.
- Label the chicken with the date of purchase or storage and the contents. This will help you keep track of its freshness and avoid confusion.
How to choose the right containers for storing chicken in the refrigerator
The type of container you use to store chicken in the refrigerator can affect its safety and quality. You should choose containers that are:
- Airtight: This will prevent air from entering and bacteria from growing. It will also prevent the chicken from absorbing odors or flavors from other foods in the fridge.
- Leak-proof: This will prevent the chicken juices from dripping and contaminating other foods or surfaces in the fridge.
- Transparent: This will allow you to see the contents and the condition of the chicken easily.
- Suitable for the size and shape of the chicken: This will ensure that the chicken fits well and does not leave too much empty space, which can cause temperature fluctuations.
Some examples of suitable containers for storing chicken in the refrigerator are:
- Plastic bags: These are convenient and easy to use. You can use ziplock bags or vacuum-seal bags to store chicken in the refrigerator. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible and seal them tightly. You can also double-bag the chicken for extra protection.
- Plastic containers: These are reusable and durable. You can use plastic containers with lids to store chicken in the refrigerator. Make sure to clean and sanitize them before and after use. You can also use disposable plastic containers for convenience.
- Glass containers: These are eco-friendly and non-reactive. You can use glass containers with lids to store chicken in the refrigerator. Make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before and after use. You can also use mason jars or Pyrex dishes for storing chicken.
How to pack chicken properly for storage in the refrigerator
The way you pack chicken for storage in the refrigerator can also affect its safety and quality. You should pack chicken properly to ensure that it is:
- Well-covered: This will prevent the chicken from drying out or losing flavor. You can use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or wax paper to cover the chicken before placing it in a container. You can also marinate the chicken with your favorite seasonings or sauces to add moisture and flavor.
- Well-spaced: This will allow the cold air to circulate around the chicken and keep it at a consistent temperature. You should not overcrowd the chicken in the container or stack it too high. You should also leave some room for expansion if you plan to freeze the chicken later.
- Well-organized: This will help you find and use the chicken easily and avoid wasting it. You should arrange the chicken in the container according to the size, type, or recipe. You should also label the container with the date and contents.
Where to place chicken in the refrigerator
The location of chicken in the refrigerator can also affect its safety and quality. You should place chicken in the refrigerator where it is:
Cold
This will prevent the chicken from spoiling or growing bacteria. You should place chicken in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which is typically the back of the bottom shelf. You should also avoid placing chicken near the door or the top shelf, where the temperature can fluctuate due to frequent opening and closing.
Safe
Properly storing chicken in the refrigerator is crucial to prevent cross-contamination. Placing chicken on the bottom shelf or in a designated meat drawer helps avoid contact with ready-to-eat foods, reducing the risk of spreading bacteria.
It’s essential to keep chicken separate from other raw meats like beef, pork, or fish to prevent potential bacterial transfer due to varying cooking temperatures and bacteria types
How long to store chicken in the refrigerator
The duration of chicken storage in the refrigerator depends on several factors, such as the type, quality, and freshness of the chicken, the temperature and condition of the refrigerator, and the method and date of storage. However, as a general rule, you should follow these guidelines:
- Whole chicken: You can store whole chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Chicken parts: You can store chicken parts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Ground chicken: You can store ground chicken in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Cooked chicken: You can store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You should always check the expiration date or the sell-by date of the chicken before storing it in the refrigerator. You should also use or freeze the chicken within the suggested time frame to ensure its safety and quality.
Here Homekitchenmagazine.com summarize on How To Store Chicken In Refrigerator:
How To Store Chicken In Refrigerator For Long Lasting
Prepare a plastic bag
Prepare some plastic bags. Put the same piece of chicken meat in one plastic bag. For example, chicken wings are stored in different plastic bags of chicken breast. If possible, write the caption on each plastic bag. So it will be easier for you to cook.
Cut Chicken Meat
The next way How to store chicken in refrigerator to keep the durable is cutting it first or not. You can choose them as you need. If you want to be easier in the process of melting and processing chicken meat, it is worth to cut the chicken meat into pieces before storing it in the freezer.
However, if the chicken has been cut before it is stored, the saving period is shorter, which is 9 months. This is because, the chicken cuts a lot more touch during the cutting process, which becomes a bridge for bacteria and dirt in the chicken meat.
Storing whole chicken meat
The procedure of storing whole chicken meat with pieces turns out differently! You must first, remove the innards from the chickens. This is due to innards including bacterial sources that accelerate the process of decay of meat. The fatty part of the chicken should also remove until completely not left.
Then, dry it using the kitchen paper until it is not watery, then wraps the plastic wrap before storing into the freezer. If you want to be more environmentally friendly, a plastic wrap can be replaced with Bee’s Wrap, an eco-friendly wrapper made of beeswax, cloth and tree sap, or it can also be used Silicon Wrap, a silicone food wrapper.
Store in Freezer
The next way How To Store Chicken In Refrigerator for long lasting that you can do is to put it in the freezer. If you store fresh chicken meat on the refrigerator shelf it will allow it to last only two days. Different if you store in a freezer that is able to make chicken meat will last for up to one year due to its minus temperature.
However, if you store the ripe chicken or already cooked in a refrigerator shelf, this will make it last for three to four days at the same temperature. Well, for that, if you want to store chicken meat in the refrigerator so that the condition can last longer, keep it in the freezer.
Watch the refrigerator temperature
Make sure the chicken meat packaging is tightly sealed and away from other foods. Adjust the temperature of your refrigerator and set it to temperature to 0-5 ° C. This makes your chicken meat and all the food in the refrigerator fresher and more durable.
Remember storage time
If you are going to cook chicken immediately, keep it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. A whole chicken (or chicken part) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before being cooked. If you don’t want to cook chicken in 2 days, you have to put it in the freezer.
How to tell if chicken has gone bad in the refrigerator
Even if you store chicken properly in the refrigerator, it can still go bad over time due to bacterial growth, spoilage, or oxidation. Therefore, you should always inspect the chicken before using or eating it. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Smell: Bad chicken will have a foul or sour smell that is noticeable even through the packaging. If you detect any unpleasant or off-putting odor, discard the chicken immediately.
- Texture: Bad chicken will have a slimy or sticky texture that is different from the normal firm and moist texture. If you feel any slippery or tacky residue on the chicken, discard it immediately.
- Color: Bad chicken will have a grayish or greenish color that is different from the normal pinkish or whitish color. If you notice any discoloration or dark spots on the chicken, discard it immediately.
You should always trust your senses and judgment when it comes to chicken quality. If you have any doubt or suspicion about the chicken, do not risk it and throw it away. It is better to be safe than sorry.
How to store chicken in the freezer
If you want to store chicken for longer than the recommended time in the refrigerator, you can store it in the freezer. Freezing chicken can extend its shelf life for up to 12 months, depending on the type and quality of the chicken. However, freezing chicken can also affect its texture and flavor, so you should follow these tips to store chicken properly in the freezer:
- Freeze chicken as soon as possible after buying or storing it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze chicken that has been in the refrigerator for longer than the recommended time or that has signs of spoilage.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store chicken in the freezer. You can use the same containers or bags that you used to store chicken in the refrigerator, as long as they are airtight and leak-proof. You can also use heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer paper to wrap the chicken before placing it in a container or a bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents. You can also add a note of the cooking method or the recipe you plan to use with the chicken.
- Place the container or bag in the freezer, preferably in the back or the bottom, where the temperature is the coldest and the most consistent.
- Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cooking or eating it. Do not thaw chicken at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can cause uneven thawing and bacterial growth.
How long to store chicken in the freezer
The duration of chicken storage in the freezer depends on several factors, such as the type, quality, and freshness of the chicken, the temperature and condition of the freezer, and the method and date of storage. However, as a general rule, you should follow these guidelines:
- Whole chicken: You can store whole chicken in the freezer for up to 12 months.
- Chicken parts: You can store chicken parts in the freezer for up to 9 months.
- Ground chicken: You can store ground chicken in the freezer for up to 4 months.
- Cooked chicken: You can store cooked chicken in the freezer for up to 4 months.
You should always check the expiration date or the sell-by date of the chicken before storing it in the freezer. You should also use or thaw the chicken within the suggested time frame to ensure its safety and quality.
How to tell if chicken has gone bad in the freezer
Even if you store chicken properly in the freezer, it can still go bad over time due to freezer burn, oxidation, or rancidity. Therefore, you should always inspect the chicken before using or eating it. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Smell: Bad chicken will have a rancid or sour smell that is noticeable even through the packaging. If you detect any unpleasant or off-putting odor, discard the chicken immediately.
- Texture: Bad chicken will have a dry or tough texture that is different from the normal tender and juicy texture. If you feel any hard or brittle spots on the chicken, discard it immediately.
- Color: Bad chicken will have a pale or grayish color that is different from the normal pinkish or whitish color. If you notice any discoloration or frostbite on the chicken, discard it immediately.
You should always trust your senses and judgment when it comes to chicken quality. If you have any doubt or suspicion about the chicken, do not risk it and throw it away. It is better to be safe than sorry.
FAQs about how to store chicken in the refrigerator
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about how to store chicken in the refrigerator:
Can I refreeze chicken that has been thawed in the refrigerator?
Yes, you can refreeze chicken that has been thawed in the refrigerator, as long as it has not been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. However, refreezing chicken can affect its texture and flavor, so it is best to use it as soon as possible.
Can I cook chicken that has been in the refrigerator for longer than the recommended time?
No, you should not cook chicken that has been in the refrigerator for longer than the recommended time. Doing so can expose you to harmful bacteria and toxins that can cause food poisoning or other illnesses.
You should always follow the storage guidelines and use or freeze chicken within the suggested time frame.
How can I store cooked chicken in the refrigerator?
You can store cooked chicken in the refrigerator by following these steps:
– Let the chicken cool down completely before refrigerating it. You can place it on a baking sheet or a plate and let it sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
– Cut the chicken into smaller pieces or shred it if you prefer. This will make it easier to store and reheat later.
– Transfer the chicken to a suitable container, such as a plastic bag, a plastic container, or a glass container. Make sure to cover the chicken well and seal the container tightly.
– Label the container with the date and contents. You can also add a note of the recipe or the dish you plan to make with the chicken.
– Place the container in the refrigerator, preferably on the top shelf or in the middle shelf, where the temperature is more stable.
– Use or freeze the chicken within 4 days.
Wrap it Up
Storing chicken properly in the refrigerator or the freezer is important to keep it fresh, safe, and tasty. By following the tips and guidelines on How to Store Chicken in Refrigerator. Remember to always check the chicken for any signs of spoilage before using or eating it and to use or freeze it within the recommended time frame.
