How long does raw chicken last in the fridge after defrosting

How long can thawed chicken stay in fridge is an important question to answer. If it stays too long, you may get sick from eating it, and nobody wants that! If you throw it out early, then we run the risk of throwing out perfectly good meat. So, what is the answer and how do we know?

There are a couple of factors that determine how long chicken will last in your fridge. One of the factors is whether your thawed chicken is raw or cooked. Another factor is what method you are using to thaw your meat. We are going to look at the different aspects that contribute to how long chicken can last once it is thawed in your fridge. 

A rule of thumb is that thawed chicken that is raw will last between one to two days in your fridge. However, this timeline begins once the meat has been fully defrosted. It also depends on what method was used to defrost your chicken. Keep in mind, you can always place the raw or cooked chicken into your freezer, which will prevent you from losing the chicken in your fridge. 

Cooked chicken on the other hand lasts a little longer than raw chicken. Chicken that has been cooked can last in your fridge between three and four days once it is thawed. If you are afraid that you will lose your cooked chicken, you can place it in the freezer as well. This will allow you to store it longer. 

A few basics about chicken will better help you know if the chicken in your fridge is still good or if it has gone bad. 

How To Tell If Chicken Is Spoiled:

There are four main ways to tell if chicken has spoiled. These ways can apply to chicken that has been stored in your fridge or any chicken for that matter. Start by looking at the “best by” date on the package. If that date has passed, it might be wise to not risk eating the chicken. Next use your senses by smelling the chicken. If it smells gross or unappetizing at all, then you will want to toss it, and not risk getting sick.

Next examine the appearance of the chicken. Does anything look odd? If the chicken has started to spoil, the color of the chicken may have a gray, green or blue tint to it. You will not want to eat the chicken if you see anything off with the chicken’s color. You can also check to see if there is any mold or things growing on it. If there are, then it needs to go out. Last, look at the texture of the chicken, no matter if it is raw or cooked. If the chicken has a texture that is slimy, then it is definitely time to go. Do not eat it!

How To Thaw:

There are several good ways that you can thaw chicken. Please note, these ways do not include being defrosted on the counter at room temperature or in a bowl of hot water. These are both risky, as they both allow the chicken to sit at dangerous temps that allow bacteria to grow quickly. The dangerous temperatures are between 40 to 140F. 

The best ways to thaw chicken are in the refrigerator, in a bowl of cold water or in the microwave on defrost. Each one of these allow the chicken to be thawed safely. 

Refrigerator Thawing:

Thawing chicken in your refrigerator means placing frozen chicken directly into your fridge and allowing them to sit in the cool fridge until they have defrosted. Once they have defrosted, the time that they are good thawed in the fridge begins. 

The amount of time it takes a piece of chicken to thaw depends on what it is as well as it’s size. For example, a smaller chicken breast generally takes about one day to thaw in the fridge. Pieces of chicken with bones take longer, usually around two days. The USDA notes that pieces of poultry can be left in the fridge one to two days after being defrosted. 

Cold Water Thawing:

Cold water thawing is when a piece of frozen chicken, is placed into a bowl full of ice-cold water. It then remains in the ice-cold water until the chicken thaws. Once it thaws it is removed and prepared. 

The amount of time chicken breasts takes to thaw varies between one to two hours in ice cold water. Larger pieces of chicken will take over two hours to thaw in cold water. It may be a bit difficult to use this method for thawing a whole chicken as the entire body would need to be submersed in the water. 

Microwave Thawing:

Microwave thawing is probably the fastest way to defrost chicken. It is done by placing your chicken in the microwave and keeping a close eye on it. You will want to use the defrost function if your microwave has it. 

To do this at home, check the manual for your microwave to be sure exactly how yours works. Most simply have a defrost button for you to press, and then put in the weight of your food. IT will then require you to flip the food over after a given amount of time. Unique to microwave thawing, any meat that is thawed using this method should be prepared and cooked right away. Meat that has been defrosted in the microwave should not sit in the fridge raw. 

How To Freeze:

To effectively freeze your chicken, follow these simple steps. When followed, your chicken will have the best outcome. 

Use a freezer bag, which seals or an airtight container to place chicken in the freezer. I highly recommend using freezer bags, as I have always had the best results with these.  

Write the description, such as “raw chicken” on your container and date it. 

Press all the air out. If you have a way to vacuum seal it, this will help. If you do not, you could submerge all except the zipper in water, to help get all the air out. 

Make sure that your storage unit is sealed tightly. Then place in your freezer. 

Chicken Can Be Cooked While Frozen

Chicken can also be cooked while it is still frozen. This is a lesser-known fact, but it can be done. The only thing to remember with this is that it may take 50% more time to cook than if it was thawed. It also needs to be sure to reach an internal temperature of at least 160F. If you keep these two things in mind, there is no need for your chicken to be fully thawed in order to cook it. 

How Long Is Frozen Chicken Good

Chicken that is in your freezer also has a time limit that it is good for. The length of time depends on what form it is in. Pieces of raw chicken should be kept in your freezer no more than six months before they are used. Whole chickens on the other hand, can be frozen up to one year. 

Cooked chicken that has been frozen will get the best results if used before it has been frozen for four months. Otherwise, it will become dry tasting and a bit freezer burnt. Pieces of cooked chicken can be warmed up while still frozen or thawed using another method. 

Best Practice For Keeping Thawed Chicken In Fridge

For best results, in keeping thawed chicken in the fridge. We recommend the following for best practice. 

If chicken is frozen, place directly from the freezer to fridge and allow to remain there for one to two days until thawed. Or submerge into ice cold water and allow to thaw for a few hours. 

Once your meat is thawed, allow to remain in the fridge for an additional one to two days. Remember, that your time in the fridge, does not begin until the meat has be defrosted. 

Keep in mind that any meat that has been defrosted in the microwave should not be kept in the fridge. It should be cooked as soon as it has finished defrosting. 

How long thawed chicken can stay in the fridge varies, depending upon the method of thawing used. However, once chicken has been thawed, it can remain in the fridge for one to two days. 

Expand your knowledge about chicken by reading about How Long Chicken Salad Lasts. Also learn more about If You Can Freeze Chicken Salad or not. Don’t miss out!

For more posts like this one, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Share on Pinterest!

Is chicken OK 3 days after defrosting?

Is raw chicken OK in the fridge for 7 days?

Is raw chicken okay in the fridge for 4 days?