Storing chicken correctly is important. Here’s how to get it right.
- Always refrigerate or freeze chicken as soon as possible after you buy it. Use an insulated bag to keep the chicken cool on your trip home from the shops.
- If the packaging is damaged or soggy and you’re going to cook the chicken within two days, remove the chicken, pat it dry with kitchen paper and put onto a plate. Cover the chicken with clingwrap or tinfoil, and pop the plate onto the bottom rack of the fridge. This way, it won’t contaminate other food if any juice drips.
- Fresh chicken is safe to keep in the fridge for one to two days. If you’re not sure when you’ll use it, freeze it immediately.
- If you’re planning to freeze the chicken, remove the packaging, pat the meat dry and reseal in an airtight bag. Always check the packaging to see how long the chicken can be kept frozen.
- Unsure if the chicken in your fridge has gone off? If it’s past the best-by date, don’t take a chance. Throw it away. Chicken that has gone off has a foul smell, a greyish tinge and might feel slimy to the touch.
- If you have any leftovers, cooked parts (thighs, breasts, legs or wings) can be kept in the fridge for about two days. A whole cooked chicken is safe to refrigerate for up to three days.
