Is someone cooking some chicken tonight? We all know how delicious chicken can be, no matter the recipe. Not to mention the protein it contains making it so popular amongst athletes and gym-goers. But have you ever stopped to think about how long your chicken will last?
No, we’re not talking about the expiration date on the packaging. We’re talking about how long chicken meat can last at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer. Together, let’s dig into everything you need to know about storing chicken meat so that next time you’re planning to cook everyone’s favourite dish, you’ll be confident that your chicken is still good to go.
What are chickens?
Beginning with the basics, chickens are domesticated birds that are most often raised as poultry for meat or eggs. Chickens are descendants of the wild red junglefowl and are considered omnivores as they will eat a varied diet including insects, seeds, and greens. The lifespan of a chicken depends on the purpose it was bred for. For example, chickens bred for egg production generally have a shorter lifespan than those bred for meat production. However, on average, a chicken will live between 5 and 10 years.
In addition, chickens have been known to carry certain diseases. These diseases can be transmitted to humans through contact with chicken feces, contaminated food, or close contact with infected chickens. The most common disease that chickens can transmit to humans is salmonella. This occurs when chicken meat is not cooked properly and can lead to food poisoning.
However, as long as chicken is properly cooked, it is healthy and safe food to eat. It is very famous due to its protein content as well as being low in fat. In addition, chicken is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin B6. This is why chicken is often included in diets for athletes and people looking to build muscle without gaining too much fat.
How long does chicken meat last at room temperature?
You might be surprised to learn that chicken meat can actually last quite a while at room temperature. Studies have shown that chicken meat can last for two hours at room temperature without any significant risk of food poisoning. However, it is important to note that the longer chicken meat remains at room temperature, the greater the risk of developing bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
How long does chicken meat last in the fridge?
If you store your chicken meat in the fridge, it will generally last between two and four days. However, it is important to make sure that the chicken is properly wrapped so that it does not contaminate other food in the fridge since raw chicken meat can contain bacteria that can be absorbed by other food. Also, keep in mind that cooked chicken meat will only last for three to four days in the fridge before it will start to spoil. Spoiled cooked chicken may smell rank or have a slimy texture.
How long does chicken last in the freezer?
Like all meats, chicken does require proper storage in the freezer if you want it to last. When chicken is stored in the freezer, it will generally last for six to nine months. However, it is important to make sure that the chicken is properly wrapped so that it does not absorb any other smells from the freezer.
Where’s the best place to store chicken meat?
As we’ve mentioned, meats need to be stored properly in order to remain fresh and safe to eat. For chicken, this means storing it in the fridge or freezer. The fridge is the best place to store chicken if you plan on eating it within two to four days in order to not have a hard time unfreezing it. However, if you want your chicken to last longer, then the freezer is the best option for you to plan out your meals.
What are the risks of storing chicken badly?
Now that we have already gone through how to properly store chicken, it’s time to talk about what could happen if you don’t store it correctly. We’ve listed the three most common risks below:
Bacteria growth: If chicken is stored at room temperature for too long, bacteria will start to grow on it. Especially if it is not cooked all the way through, you might have the risk of salmonella.
Texture changes: If chicken is not stored properly in the fridge or freezer, it can change in texture. The meat might become rubbery or slimy, which is a sign that it has gone bad.
Smell changes: Another way to tell if your chicken has gone bad is by smell. Raw chicken should not have a strong smell, so if it starts to smell rank or sour, it is a sign that it has gone bad and you should throw it out.
What’s the most eco-friendly way to store chicken?
Eco-friendly food storage is all about using sustainable methods to store your food. One eco-friendly way to store chicken is to use a reusable container instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil with the reason being that reusable containers can be used multiple times which reduces the amount of waste produced. Another eco-friendly way to store chicken is to use freezer bags instead of plastic wrap because they are made out of recycled materials and can be reused multiple times as well, unlike plastic that you would have to throw away after one use which may risk harming the environment.
Is eating chicken eco-friendly?
We all know eco-friendly is all about being environmentally conscious and not harming the planet. So, is eating chicken eco-friendly? Well, it all depends on how the chicken was raised and what kind of impact it had on the environment. For example, if the chicken was raised in a factory farm, then it is not eco-friendly since factory farms have a negative impact on the environment due to the amount of pollution they produce. However, if the chicken was raised on a free-range farm, then it is eco-friendly since free-range farms have a positive impact on the environment. Therefore, it all depends on how the chicken was raised and what kind of impact it had on the environment as to whether or not eating chicken is eco-friendly. Also, we must consider the humane way the chicken was treated before it was slaughtered for our consumption.
We really hope we’ve answered all your questions about everyone’s favourite poultry! The versatility of chicken is what makes them so popular as food all around the world, so it’s important to know everything about them – of course, how you should store them to preserve their freshness and prevent bacteria growth. We care for your safety, so keep in mind everything that we talked about in this article the next time you go to the grocery store! And remember, always be eco-friendly!
