Chicken is one of the most consumed meats. Whether stored in the refrigerator or the freezer, chicken must nevertheless be subject to a few rules to prevent the spread of bacteria.
The smell of roast chicken is pure delight! But sometimes, it happens that we cannot finish the (too large) quantity planned. In this case, the question of the conservation of the chicken arises. However, nothing could be simpler! Just follow all of our tips for storing chicken properly.
How Long Can Chicken Be in The Fridge?
Chicken meat can be stored for up to 3 days raw and 4 days cooked in the refrigerator. To optimize its shelf life , it should be placed in the coldest part of the refrigerator, the ideal temperature being 4°C.
As a reminder, never wash a chicken with water. By rinsing it, the bacteria will spread more quickly throughout your meat.
How to Freeze Chicken?
Chicken can be frozen , either whole or cut into pieces. If you choose to freeze a whole chicken, it means that it will then be cooked whole, or roasted. It may therefore be preferable, both for cooking and for the space it occupies in your freezer, to cut the chicken. To save space in the freezer, flatten the cutlets and chicken breasts before slipping them into an individual plastic bag.
Before freezing a chicken, remove its offal, except the liver which is very tasty. Then wrap it in aluminum foil before placing it in a plastic bag. It is necessary to empty the bag of the air it contains. Vacuum packaging can be achieved by slipping a straw into the bag and sucking out the air.
Once frozen, a whole chicken can be stored for 10 to 12 months at -18°C. Chicken liver will keep for 3 months in the freezer. You can also freeze cooked chicken , with or without sauce. Place it in a tightly closed container. It supports freezing for a maximum of 6 months.
Can You Freeze Already Cooked Chicken?
You can freeze already cooked chicken . For the meat to be very tasty, debone the chicken, then rid it of all its fat. When cooking, avoid over-salting the chicken, otherwise it will freeze too slowly. Then, wrap the pieces in plastic bags or cling film and place them in the freezer at -25°C.
If you wish to thaw it, place the chicken in the refrigerator. Do not leave it at room temperature, this can allow the proliferation of bacteria. If you are in a hurry, place the chicken pieces in the microwave for a few minutes.
How Do You Know The Chicken is Still Good?
Chicken is a meat that must be eaten quickly because it attracts many bacteria. If you are unsure of the freshness of your chicken, then follow these steps.
If your chicken is raw: First, pay attention to the color of the chicken, it should be light pink. If it tends towards gray, throw it away! If you’re not sure, then focus on the smell of the chicken. When the meat rots, it gives off a strong smell. You will recognize it directly and if so, throw it away.
If your chicken is frozen: follow the same steps, and also pay attention to whether or not there is a layer of ice. If you see one around the chicken, it’s no longer edible.
If your chicken is cooked: In this case, pay attention to any traces of mold, if you see any, throw your chicken away. As before, you need to look at the color of your chicken. If it turns gray, get rid of it.
Now you know everything you need to keep your chicken as long as possible without risking your health. In salads, soups, skewers, and chicken is delicious poultry that lends itself to any type of cooking.