How To Tell If Raw Chicken Has Gone Bad

When it comes to raw chicken, freshness is crucial. Chicken that is unsafe to eat may not look bad. Use these guidelines for storing fresh or frozen chicken to ensure your chicken is safe to cook.

Refrigerator Storage: Uncooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below 1 to 2 days before cooking.

Freezer Storage: Uncooked whole chickens can be store in the freezer at 0°F or below up to 1 year, chicken pieces can be stored up to 9 months.

There are a few unmistakable signs that indicate when raw chicken may have turned.

• Smell it: Trust your nose! One of the most reliable indicators of spoiled food is its odor. If you detect an off odor, your chicken is likely no longer safe to eat.
• Texture matters: If the raw chicken feels slimy or sticky to the touch, these are surefire indicators that bacteria have started to grow. Fresh chicken should feel slightly moist, but never slippery. Do not wash chicken in water before cooking, as it easily get spread around your kitchen and contaminate other foods. Always wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination (CDC).
• Check the color: Fresh raw chicken skin can range from yellow to white. Over time, bad chicken will appear grayish or have dark spots. If your chicken looks discolored, it’s best to discard it.

Handling Raw Chicken Safely

To minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses like Salmonella or Campylobacter, always store raw chicken in the refrigerator at 40°F or below and cook it to a safe internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer (USDA).

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

It's crucial to follow safe food handling practices to prevent cross-contamination:

• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other foods (CDC).
• Thoroughly wash hands, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water after handling raw chicken (USDA).
• Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent it from dripping onto other foods.

Pro Tip: For a meal that saves you from handling raw chicken, check out Pillsbury’s Chicken Enchilada Crescent Ring Recipe using pre-cooked chicken!

How To Tell If Cooked Chicken Is Bad