The Ultimate Guide: How Do You Store Raw Chicken in the Refrigerator Safely

Are you staring at that package of raw chicken wondering what to do with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Storing raw chicken properly is super important – not just for keeping it fresh, but for preventing those nasty food bugs that nobody wants to deal with Let’s dive into everything you need to know about safely storing your raw chicken in the refrigerator.

Why Proper Chicken Storage Matters

Before we jump into the how-to part, let’s talk about why this even matters. According to the CDC, about one million people get sick from contaminated chicken every year. That’s a lot of tummy troubles that could be avoided with proper handling!

Raw chicken can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. These uninvited guests can multiply quickly if we don’t store our chicken correctly. Plus improper storage affects the taste and texture of your chicken – and nobody wants to waste good food!

The Basics: How to Store Raw Chicken

1. Keep It in Its Original Packaging (Initially)

When you first bring chicken home from the store Gold’n Plump recommends keeping it in its original packaging. Place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the back) where it can safely remain for up to 48 hours.

If you’ve already opened the package or need to store leftover raw chicken, that’s when you’ll need to transfer it to a better container (more on that in a minute).

2. Choose the Right Container

Once you’ve opened your chicken package, you’ll need to store it properly. Here are your best options:

• Airtight containers: These prevent air from entering, which helps maintain freshness and prevents those chicken smells from transferring to other foods.

• Sealed plastic bags: Ziplock or other resealable bags work great. Just make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

According to Tasting Table, the safest way to store raw chicken once you’ve opened the package is in an airtight container like a zip-seal bag or a Tupperware container with a tight-fitting lid.

3. Temperature Matters Big Time

Your refrigerator temperature is CRUCIAL for chicken safety. Make sure your fridge is set to 40°F (4°C) or lower. This is the magic number for limiting bacterial growth.

If you’re not sure about your refrigerator temperature, consider getting a refrigerator thermometer. It’s a small investment that can save you from big problems!

4. Where to Place Raw Chicken in Your Refrigerator

This is something many people get wrong, but it’s super important! Always store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Why? Because if any juices leak, they won’t drip onto other foods and cause cross-contamination.

The middle shelf provides a more stable temperature, but the bottom shelf is safer from a contamination perspective. It’s a trade-off, but safety should come first!

How Long Can You Keep Raw Chicken in the Fridge?

This is probably the #1 question people have about storing chicken, and the answer is simple but strict:

• Raw whole chicken: 1-2 days
• Raw chicken parts (breasts, thighs, wings): 1-2 days
• Ground chicken: 1-2 days

Gold’n Plump provides this handy reference chart for storing different types of chicken:

If you can’t use your chicken within 1-2 days, freezing is definitely the way to go!

What NOT to Do When Storing Raw Chicken

Let’s talk about some common mistakes we all make (I’m guilty of a few of these myself!):

1. Don’t Wash Raw Chicken

This might surprise you, but the Minnesota Department of Health advises against washing raw chicken. When you wash chicken, you’re actually splashing bacteria all over your sink, counters, and possibly onto other foods. Cooking the chicken thoroughly is what kills the bacteria – not washing!

2. Don’t Leave Chicken at Room Temperature

Never, ever leave raw chicken sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F – what food safety experts call the “danger zone.”

3. Don’t Store Chicken Next to Ready-to-Eat Foods

Keep your raw chicken away from foods that won’t be cooked before eating. This prevents cross-contamination that could make you sick.

How to Freeze Raw Chicken

If you won’t use your chicken within 48 hours, freezing is recommended. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Wrap properly: For convenience and to prevent freezer burn, wrap separate pieces in foil or plastic bags.

2. Double-wrap: Place all wrapped or bagged pieces into a larger freezer bag or foil wrap.

3. Remove air: Press all air out of the package before sealing.

4. Label everything: Mark the package with contents and the date you froze it.

According to Gold’n Plump, frozen chicken parts can last up to 9 months, while a whole chicken can last up to a year in the freezer at 0°F or below.

How to Safely Thaw Frozen Chicken

When you’re ready to use that frozen chicken, thawing it safely is just as important as how you froze it:

1. Refrigerator thawing: The safest method is transferring frozen chicken to the refrigerator and letting it thaw overnight.

2. Cold water method: If you’re in a hurry, place the chicken in a leak-proof bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing.

3. Never thaw at room temperature: This allows bacteria to multiply rapidly.

Signs Your Chicken Has Gone Bad

Even with perfect storage, sometimes chicken goes bad. Here’s how to tell:

Visual Clues:

• Fresh chicken should have a pink hue
• Gray or green color indicates spoilage
• Slimy texture is a definite no-go

Smell Test:

• Fresh chicken has only a mild smell
• Strong, offensive odors mean it’s time to toss it

If you’re ever in doubt, remember this golden rule: When in doubt, throw it out! It’s better to waste a little chicken than to risk food poisoning.

My Personal Chicken Storage System

I’ve learned the hard way about chicken storage (let’s just say there was an unfortunate incident involving chicken left too long in the back of my fridge!). Now I follow a simple system:

1. I immediately place chicken in the coldest part of my refrigerator when I get home from shopping.

2. I mark on my calendar or set a phone reminder when I need to use or freeze the chicken by.

3. If I’m not sure I’ll cook it within 48 hours, I go ahead and freeze portions in meal-sized packages.

This system has saved me money and prevented waste – plus no more food safety worries!

Final Thoughts

Storing raw chicken properly isn’t complicated, but it does require attention to detail. The key points to remember are:

• Store in airtight containers on the bottom shelf
• Keep your refrigerator below 40°F
• Use within 1-2 days or freeze
• Never thaw at room temperature
• When in doubt, throw it out

By following these guidelines, you’ll keep your family safe and ensure your chicken dishes turn out delicious every time. The peace of mind is definitely worth the small effort it takes to store your chicken correctly!

Do you have any chicken storage tricks that work well for you? I’m always looking to learn new kitchen hacks!

You can keep raw chicken in the fridge for 1 to 2 days maximum, according to FoodSafety.gov and the USDA. For best results and to ensure safety, use the chicken or place it in the freezer before this two-day window.