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

Chicken (raw) has likely gone bad if you notice grey or greenish tint, dull surface; sour or sulphurous smell; slimy or sticky film. When in doubt, throw it out.

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?

Thawed Chicken (raw) lasts 1–2 days refrigerated before cooking.

How Long Does Chicken (Raw) Last?

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

Chicken (raw) lasts 1–2 days in the refrigerator. 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.

Q: Can you freeze Chicken (raw)?

Yes, Chicken (raw) can be frozen for 9–12 months.

Chicken (Raw) keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator and 9–12 months in the freezer, according to cited USDA/FDA storage references.

2 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
Editorial review · Verified June 2026

1–2 days

Safe range

9–12 months

Safe range

After thawing: use within 2 days in the fridge

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Based on USDA/FSIS guidance:

Raw poultry, ground meats, and other perishable meats should be used within 1 to 2 days of purchase or frozen.

The cited storage data lists 1–2 days refrigerated for this food. 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

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)?

Yes.Chicken (Raw)keeps 9–12 monthsin the freezer when stored in airtight packaging.

Freeze raw chicken at its freshest: portion the pieces, wrap each tightly in freezer paper or a heavy zip bag with the air pressed out, and label the date. Quality stays best for 9–12 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, never on the counter, and cook within a day or two once thawed.

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.

Is it still good?

Enter when you bought or opened it and where it's stored.

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?: Thawed Chicken (raw) lasts 1–2 days refrigerated before cooking.

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