How Long Can a Defrosted Chicken Stay in the Fridge?

The shelf life of a defrosted chicken depends on a number of factors, including the temperature of the refrigerator, the type of chicken, and whether or not it was cooked before being frozen.

USDA Guidelines

According to the USDA, a defrosted chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is based on the assumption that the refrigerator is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. If the refrigerator is warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the chicken should be cooked within 2 days.

Types of Chicken

The type of chicken also affects how long it can be stored in the refrigerator. Whole chickens can be stored for longer than chicken parts, such as breasts or thighs. This is because the whole chicken has a protective layer of skin that helps to keep it moist and prevents bacteria from entering.

Cooked Chicken

Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This is because the cooking process kills bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. However, it is important to note that cooked chicken should not be stored in the refrigerator for more than 4 days, as it can begin to spoil.

Signs of Spoilage

There are a few signs that can indicate that a defrosted chicken has gone bad. These include:

• A slimy or sticky texture
• A sour or off smell
• A grayish or greenish color
• Mold

If you notice any of these signs, the chicken should be discarded immediately.

How to Store Defrosted Chicken

To store defrosted chicken safely, follow these tips:

• Place the chicken in a covered container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store the chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is typically the back of the top shelf.
• Do not store the chicken in the door of the refrigerator, as this is the warmest part of the refrigerator.
• Do not refreeze defrosted chicken.

Why It Matters

Storing defrosted chicken properly is important for food safety. If chicken is not stored properly, it can become contaminated with bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Foodborne illness can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, foodborne illness can be life-threatening.

Benefits of Storing Chicken Properly

There are several benefits to storing chicken properly, including:

• Prevents foodborne illness: Storing chicken properly can help to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
• Keeps chicken fresh: Storing chicken properly can help to keep it fresh and prevent it from spoiling.
• Saves money: Storing chicken properly can help to save money by preventing it from going to waste.

Call to Action

If you want to keep your family safe from foodborne illness, it is important to store defrosted chicken properly. By following the tips in this article, you can help to ensure that your chicken is safe to eat.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for storing defrosted chicken:

• If you are not sure how long the chicken has been defrosted, it is best to err on the side of caution and cook it immediately.
• If you are defrosting a whole chicken, remove the giblets and neck and discard them.
• If you are defrosting chicken parts, separate them before storing them in the refrigerator.
• Do not thaw chicken on the counter at room temperature. This can allow bacteria to grow rapidly.
• If you are thawing chicken in the microwave, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
• Once the chicken is thawed, it should be cooked immediately.

Stories

Here are three stories about people who got foodborne illness from eating improperly stored chicken:

Story 1:

A woman named Mary defrosted a whole chicken in the refrigerator for 4 days. She then cooked the chicken and ate it. A few hours later, she began experiencing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. She was diagnosed with foodborne illness and was hospitalized for several days.

Story 2:

A man named John thawed chicken breasts on the counter at room temperature for several hours. He then cooked the chicken and ate it. A few hours later, he began experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. He was diagnosed with foodborne illness and was treated with antibiotics.

Story 3:

A family of four ate chicken that had been defrosted in the microwave for too long. The chicken was not cooked all the way through. A few hours later, all four family members began experiencing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They were all diagnosed with foodborne illness and were treated with antibiotics.

What We Can Learn from These Stories

These stories illustrate the importance of storing chicken properly. If chicken is not stored properly, it can become contaminated with bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Foodborne illness can be a serious illness, and it can even be life-threatening in some cases.

Effective Strategies

There are a number of effective strategies for storing chicken properly. These strategies include:

• Storing chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator
• Not storing chicken in the door of the refrigerator
• Not refreezing defrosted chicken
• Cooking chicken thoroughly
• Following the USDA's guidelines for storing chicken

Tables

Here are three tables that summarize the information in this article: