How long does Chicken (raw) last in the fridge?

Chicken (raw) — refrigerator: 1–2 days. Applies only to the matching state and safe storage conditions.

How do you know if Chicken (raw) has gone bad?

Grey or greenish tint, dull surface; Sour or sulphurous smell; Slimy or sticky film. Normal smell and appearance do not prove safety. Never taste food to check safety; consider storage history and product instructions.

How long can Chicken (raw) sit out before it goes bad?

Chicken (raw) should not be left out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Refrigerate promptly.

How long is thawed Chicken (raw) good in the fridge?

Chicken (raw) — refrigerator (after thawing): 1–2 days. Exact evidence is still under review; follow the product label.

How Long Does Chicken (Raw) Last?

Q: Can you freeze Chicken (raw)?

Chicken (raw) — freezer: 9–12 months. This is a quality guideline, not a safety deadline.

Chicken (Raw): 1–2 days in the refrigerator and 9–12 months in the freezer. These are listed storage intervals; check each card for exact evidence and conditions. Freezer intervals describe quality.

3 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
Editorial review · Editorial record: June 2026

1–2 days

Storage guideline

Interval source: Fresh poultry / Chicken or turkey, whole; Chicken or turkey, pieces / Refrigerator

US guidance; fridge ≤4°C / 40°F, freezer continuously ≤−18°C / 0°F. Freezer intervals concern quality.

Source checked: 2026-09-04

9–12 months

Quality guideline

Interval source: Fresh poultry / Chicken or turkey, whole; Chicken or turkey, pieces / Freezer

US guidance; fridge ≤4°C / 40°F, freezer continuously ≤−18°C / 0°F. Freezer intervals concern quality.

Source checked: 2026-09-04

After thawing: use within 2 days in the fridge

Each card identifies whether its interval has an exact source or is still under review. A missing card means no interval is available for that state.
An absent after-opening entry must not be replaced with an unopened interval.

Based on USDA/FSIS guidance:

Chicken (raw): the interval is mapped to “Fresh poultry / Chicken or turkey, whole; Chicken or turkey, pieces / Refrigerator”. Use this guidance only for the preparation state named in that row and on this page.

At or below 4°C / 40°F; correct handling before and during refrigeration. Source

Cook raw chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Never rinse it — splashing spreads bacteria around the sink.

How to tell if it's gone bad

Normal appearance and smell do not prove food is safe. Disease-causing bacteria may be present without visible spoilage. Never taste food to test its safety; follow time, temperature and recall guidance. FDA — Storage Basics

Look:Grey or greenish tint, dull surface
Smell:Sour or sulphurous smell
Texture:Slimy or sticky film

When in doubt, throw it out. If Chicken (Raw) smells, looks, or feels off — discard it. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.

Can you freeze Chicken (Raw)?

Listed quality estimate: Chicken (Raw) keeps 9–12 monthsat continuously 0°F (−18°C) or below, if safe when frozen. Check the source status on the storage card; this is not a discard deadline.

The chart distinguishes pieces (9 months) from a whole bird (1 year). These are quality guidelines for continuous freezing; choose the row for your cut. Refrigerated time before freezing still matters.

Full freezing guide →

How to store Chicken (Raw)

Keep Chicken (Raw) covered in the refrigerator. Use the refrigerator duration shown above for this food state.
Package Chicken (Raw) tightly for the freezer and label the stored date. Use the freezer duration shown above for this food state.
Keep raw Chicken (Raw) sealed below ready-to-eat foods so leaks cannot drip onto them.

Storage tips

Keep raw chicken in its original wrap on the lowest fridge shelf so juices cannot drip onto other food. For the freezer, rewrap in airtight freezer bags and press out air to prevent freezer burn.

Check your storage dates

Compare the elapsed time with the storage guidance. This cannot certify that food is safe.

FDA — Storage Basics / Freezer Facts

Common questions

How long can Chicken (raw) sit out before it goes bad?: Chicken (raw) should not be left out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Refrigerate promptly.
How long is thawed Chicken (raw) good in the fridge?: Chicken (raw) — refrigerator (after thawing): 1–2 days. Exact evidence is still under review; follow the product label.

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