How to Tell if Chicken Is Bad: 7 Signs It's Unsafe to Eat

What's in This Article

• Quick Answer: How to Tell if Chicken Is Bad
• 7 Clear Signs Your Chicken Has Gone Bad
• How Long Does Chicken Last?
• Proper Chicken Storage Tips
• Common FAQs About Chicken Freshness
• What to Do With Chicken That's About to Expire

Quick Answer: How to Tell if Chicken Is Bad

Wondering if your chicken is still good to eat? Look for these warning signs: foul odor, slimy texture, color changes (gray, green, or yellow tints), mold growth, expired dates, unusual taste, or excessive time in storage. At Bargain Boxed, we recommend trusting your senses when determining whether chicken is safe to consume. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the chicken to avoid foodborne illness.

7 Clear Signs Your Chicken Has Gone Bad

1. Unpleasant Smell

Fresh chicken should have very little odor. If your chicken has a strong, pungent, sour, or ammonia-like smell, this is a major red flag that bacterial growth has begun. The smell test is one of the most reliable ways to tell if chicken has spoiled. At Bargain Boxed, we always recommend using your nose as your first line of defense against bad chicken.

2. Slimy or Sticky Texture

Fresh chicken should be slightly moist but never slimy. Run your fingers over the chicken – if it feels tacky, sticky, or coated with a film-like substance, it's likely started to spoil. This sliminess indicates bacterial growth on the surface of the meat. When you rinse the chicken, the sliminess shouldn't go away easily if the meat has gone bad.

3. Color Changes

Good quality chicken ranges from a bluish-white to yellow depending on the cut. If you notice gray, green, or purple discoloration, the chicken has likely started to spoil. Don't confuse this with slight color variations that can naturally occur in chicken. Major color changes, especially those accompanied by other signs like odor or texture changes, indicate the chicken is no longer safe to eat.

4. Visible Mold

This is a definite sign your chicken is unsafe. If you spot any fuzzy growth or black, blue, green, or white spots on the chicken, discard it immediately. Mold on chicken indicates advanced spoilage and potentially dangerous mycotoxins. At Bargain Boxed, we always prioritize food safety and recommend never consuming moldy chicken under any circumstances.

5. Past Its Date (With Caveats)

While we at Bargain Boxed know that many shelf-stable items can be safely consumed past their best-by dates when stored properly, fresh chicken is different. If raw chicken has been stored in your refrigerator for more than 2 days (or cooked chicken for more than 4 days), it's safer to dispose of it. Remember that frozen chicken properly stored can last much longer.

6. Off Taste

If you've cooked the chicken and it tastes sour, bitter, or simply "off," stop eating it immediately. Your taste buds are designed to detect potentially harmful foods. Even if the chicken passed other tests, an unusual taste is your body's way of warning you something might be wrong.

7. Extended Storage Time

Raw chicken stored in the refrigerator for more than 2 days is approaching the danger zone. If you've forgotten about chicken in your fridge and can't remember when you purchased it, it's safer to err on the side of caution and discard it. Chicken that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours should also be discarded.

How Long Does Chicken Last?

Understanding chicken storage timeframes can help you plan your meals and avoid waste. Here's how long chicken typically lasts when stored properly:

Fresh Raw Chicken

• Refrigerator (40°F or below): 1-4 days
• Freezer (0°F or below): 9-12 months

Cooked Chicken

• Refrigerator (40°F or below): 3-4 days
• Freezer (0°F or below): 2-6 months

Ground Chicken

• Refrigerator (40°F or below): 1-4 days
• Freezer (0°F or below): 3-4 months

At Bargain Boxed, we encourage proper storage of all food items to maximize their shelf life and safety. Proper storage not only prevents waste but also ensures you get the most value from your purchases.

Proper Chicken Storage Tips

To extend the life of your chicken and maintain its freshness, follow these storage best practices:

1. Keep it Cold: Always store chicken at temperatures below 40°F in your refrigerator or below 0°F in your freezer.

2. Original Packaging: Leave store-bought chicken in its original packaging until ready to use.

3. Additional Protection: For longer freezer storage, wrap the original packaging with freezer paper, aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

4. Bottom Shelf Storage: Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent any potential leakage from contaminating other foods.

5. Airtight Containers: Once cooked, store chicken in airtight containers to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial contamination.

6. Prompt Refrigeration: Refrigerate chicken within two hours of cooking (or within one hour if the ambient temperature is above 90°F).

7. Freezing Portions: Consider dividing large amounts of chicken into smaller portions before freezing for easier thawing and less waste.

We at Bargain Boxed want to help you maximize the value of your grocery purchases through proper storage techniques.

Common FAQs About Chicken Freshness

Is it okay to cook chicken that's turning slightly gray?

No, color changes like turning gray are typically signs of spoilage. While slight color variations can occur in fresh chicken, distinct gray coloration usually indicates bacterial growth has begun, making the chicken unsafe to eat.

Can I still use chicken if it smells just a little bit off?

We at Bargain Boxed recommend exercising caution with chicken that has any off odor. Even a slight unpleasant smell can indicate the beginning stages of spoilage. Fresh chicken should have minimal odor, so any noticeable smell is a warning sign.

Does freezing chicken kill bacteria that might make it unsafe?

Freezing chicken does not kill bacteria; it only stops their growth temporarily. Once thawed, any bacteria present before freezing will become active again. That's why it's important to freeze only fresh chicken that hasn't begun to spoil.

How long can cooked chicken sit out at room temperature?

Cooked chicken should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. In hot weather (above 90°F), reduce this time to one hour. After this point, bacteria multiply rapidly, potentially reaching dangerous levels.

Can I tell if chicken is bad after it's been cooked?

It can be more difficult to detect spoilage in cooked chicken, but signs include a sour smell, slimy texture, or off taste. If you suspect the raw chicken might have been spoiled before cooking, it's safer not to consume it even after cooking.

What happens if I eat bad chicken accidentally?

Consuming spoiled chicken can lead to food poisoning symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These symptoms typically appear within hours of consumption. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention.

What to Do With Chicken That's About to Expire

If you have chicken approaching its expiration date but still showing no signs of spoilage, here are some ways to use it safely:

1. Cook It Immediately: Cooking chicken thoroughly kills many harmful bacteria. Once cooked, you've extended its life by 3-4 more days in the refrigerator.

2. Freeze It: Transfer chicken to the freezer before it spoils. Raw chicken can last 9-12 months when properly frozen.

3. Meal Prep: Cook the chicken and incorporate it into meals for the coming days, such as salads, sandwiches, wraps, or pasta dishes.

4. Make Stock or Soup: Simmer chicken with vegetables and herbs to create a nutritious stock that can be used immediately or frozen for future use.

5. Marinate and Cook: Marinating chicken not only adds flavor but also tenderizes it. Once marinated, cook thoroughly and enjoy.

At Bargain Boxed, we're committed to helping our customers make smart choices about food safety while minimizing waste. We believe in making the most of your grocery purchases through proper storage and timely use.

Remember, when it comes to chicken, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Trust your senses – if something seems off about your chicken, it's best to discard it rather than risk foodborne illness. With these guidelines, you'll be better equipped to determine when chicken is fresh and when it's time to throw it away.