How Long Can I Keep Defrosted Chicken In The Fridge

How Long Can You Keep Defrosted Chicken in the Fridge? A Guide to Safe Food Handling

Meta Description: Wondering how long defrosted chicken stays safe in your fridge? This guide provides clear answers and crucial food safety tips to prevent foodborne illnesses. Learn the best practices for handling thawed chicken and keeping your family healthy.

Thawing chicken and then storing it safely in the refrigerator is a common practice. However, understanding exactly how long you can safely keep defrosted chicken in the fridge is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses like salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. Getting this wrong can have serious consequences, so let's delve into the specifics.

The Golden Rule: Don't Refreeze

The most important thing to remember is that once chicken has been defrosted, it should not be refrozen. Refreezing thawed chicken significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, making it unsafe to consume. Always plan to use your defrosted chicken within a specific timeframe.

How Long is Safe?

The USDA recommends that you use defrosted chicken within 1-2 days of thawing. This applies to any method of thawing – whether you thawed it in the refrigerator, in cold water, or using the microwave's defrost setting. After this timeframe, the risk of bacterial contamination increases substantially.

Factors Affecting Shelf Life:

• Thawing Method: While the timeframe remains the same (1-2 days), the quality of your chicken may degrade faster depending on the thawing method. Refrigerator thawing maintains the best quality.
• Initial Quality: If the chicken was already nearing its "use by" date before freezing, its shelf life after defrosting will be shorter. Always check the packaging for sell-by or use-by dates.
• Temperature: Maintaining a consistently cold refrigerator temperature (around 40°F or 4°C) is essential. Frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door can increase the internal temperature, promoting bacterial growth.

Safe Handling Practices: Beyond Time Limits

Even if your chicken is within the 1-2 day window, proper handling remains paramount:

• Proper Thawing: The safest way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator. This slow thaw minimizes bacterial growth. Cold water thawing is acceptable, ensuring the chicken is submerged and the water is changed every 30 minutes. Microwave thawing is also possible but should be immediately cooked after thawing.
• Separate Storage: Keep raw chicken separate from other foods in your refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. Use a container or sealable bag to contain any juices that might leak.
• Thorough Cooking: Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to ensure it's cooked thoroughly.
• Observe for Spoilage: Before cooking, check for any signs of spoilage such as an off-putting odor, slimy texture, or unusual discoloration. If anything seems amiss, discard the chicken immediately.

Planning Ahead is Key

To avoid the issue of keeping defrosted chicken too long, plan ahead. Only thaw the amount of chicken you need for a meal. This minimizes waste and reduces the risk of unsafe food handling.

By following these guidelines and prioritizing safe food handling practices, you can enjoy delicious chicken dishes while minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!