Thawing chicken properly is crucial for food safety. Without this step, cooking frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking, leaving the inside undercooked while the outside is overcooked. If properly thawed, the chicken can safely reach a suitable internal temperature during cooking, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
The process of thawing is particularly important for individuals who are always on the go. It allows them to plan and prepare their meals more efficiently. So, knowing how long thawed chicken can be safely stored in the fridge helps them decide when to thaw the chicken so that it’s ready for their intended meal. This can help streamline meal preparation and reduce last-minute cooking stress.
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So, how long can you keep thawed chicken in the fridge, then?
KEEP THAWED CHICKEN IN THE FRIDGE FOR 1 TO 2 DAYS ONLY
Once your chicken has thawed, the countdown begins, and as per the recommendations of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is advisable to use the thawed chicken within one to two days. This guideline primarily revolves around food safety concerns. Raw chicken meat can potentially contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, which become active when the meat thaws. Thus, delaying the cooking of thawed chicken can result in these pathogens multiplying rapidly. The rate of proliferation for such bacteria or pathogens is swift, potentially doubling their numbers every 20-30 minutes, significantly increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. These illnesses can manifest in symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe health issues.
It is worth noting that chicken thawed in the microwave should be cooked promptly after thawing. During microwaving, certain sections of the food may experience warming and initiate a cooking process. So storing partially cooked food in the fridge is discouraged, as any existing bacteria may not have been effectively eliminated.
EXTENDING ITS SHELF LIFE
If you find that you won’t be able to use the thawed chicken within the recommended one to two days, you have the option to freeze it. However, if the chicken has been thawed using a microwave, Cook it first before freezing to ensure safety. Freezing effectively inhibits bacterial growth and prolongs the chicken’s shelf life. Notably, you can safely refreeze chicken that has been previously thawed in the refrigerator. Just make sure it has not spent more than two hours outside the fridge, especially within the temperature danger zone (TDZ). The TDZ spans from 40°F (4°C) to 140°F (60°C), and is the range where bacteria thrive and multiply rapidly in food.
Further reading: Safe Thawing Of Frozen Foods
Alternatively, you can store the thawed chicken in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically near or below 40°F (4°C). This temperature range inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, which can thrive at warmer temperatures.
Just make sure you tightly seal the chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag or an airtight container. Doing so prevents the chicken from drying out, which can occur when moisture evaporates from the meat’s surface. It also helps maintain the chicken’s quality by preventing exposure to air, which can lead to flavor changes and freezer burn.
