Keeping chicken fresh in your refrigerator is essential for both maintaining its flavor and ensuring it is safe to eat. Proper storage techniques help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, which are commonly associated with raw poultry.
Firstly, when purchasing chicken, always check the sell-by or use-by date on the packaging to ensure it’s fresh. Once you get home, refrigerate the chicken immediately, as bacteria begin to multiply once it reaches room temperature.
For optimal freshness, store chicken on the lowest shelf of your refrigerator. This prevents any juices from dripping onto other foods, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Keep the chicken in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to minimize exposure to air, which can cause the chicken to dry out.
If you plan to store chicken for a longer period, freezing it is an excellent option. However, ensure it is wrapped securely before placing it in the freezer to prevent freezer burn, which can affect the texture and flavor.
To further preserve its freshness, consider dividing the chicken into smaller portions, which makes thawing quicker and more efficient. When thawing frozen chicken, always do so in the refrigerator, never at room temperature, to avoid bacterial growth.
For cooked chicken, it’s important to cool it within two hours of cooking and refrigerate it immediately. Place the chicken in an airtight container to keep moisture in and prevent it from absorbing strong odors from other foods.
It is best to consume cooked chicken within 3-4 days for the best taste and safety. To extend the shelf life of cooked chicken, freezing it is also an option, and it can last up to 4 months in the freezer.
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