How to properly store chicken

There are only two ways to save: in the refrigerator and in the freezer. You also need to know how to store already cooked chicken.

Proper chicken storage

Fresh chilled chicken carcass should have a white tint and a pleasant smell. If there are spots, bruises or damage on the skin, such a chicken should not be taken. A frozen chicken carcass should not have a shell of thick ice. This indicates re-freezing. It is better to refuse such a carcass.

In the freezer

If immediately after purchasing a chicken there are no plans for it, then it is best to put the carcass in the freezer. The meat can be cut into portions. In any form, chicken meat should be placed in the freezer in a moisture-resistant, airtight and durable container. Vacuum bags are ideal for this.

You can keep chicken in the freezer for as long as its conditions allow:

• at temperatures from -24 to -18 °C, chicken can be stored for a whole year;
• if the thermometer readings are from -18 to -14 °C, the carcass will be suitable for up to 9 months;
• from -14 to -8 °C – only up to six months;
• if temperatures fluctuate from -8 to -5 °C, then frozen chicken should be consumed within 3 months.

In a refrigerator

Chicken is one of those foods that it is not advisable to store for a long time. Under room conditions, it will generally only be suitable for a couple of hours. But it is not always possible to cook a carcass immediately after purchase. Therefore, it can be kept in a refrigeration device for some time, packed in a vacuum bag, airtight container, or in a plastic bag.

It’s very good when you have the opportunity to cover a chicken carcass with ice shards. This will extend the storage time. It is worth noting that separated chicken meat from the bones will be useful longer.

Optimally, chicken can be stored in the refrigerator in a suitable condition for 2 days.

Storing Cooked Chicken

When storing ready-made chicken meat, you should take into account the cooking method and know the importance of packaging.

Boiled or fried chicken will stay good for 2-3 days. After this period, some housewives fry the meat pieces on both sides or heat them in the microwave, thereby getting rid of pathogenic microorganisms, and consume them for another 1-2 days.

A plastic bag is not suitable for storing meat. It is best to give preference to an airtight container. Foil will help preserve its presentable appearance and taste longer. In addition, it will protect the chicken from foreign odors.

It is better not to store purchased smoked chicken meat at all; in extreme cases, it can be sent to the freezer. Because you can’t trust manufacturers who could smoke meat that has already stood.

See the video “How to properly store chicken in the refrigerator”: