How to Tell if Chicken Has Gone Bad

[Franjipani]

How to Tell if Chicken Has Gone Bad​

Medically reviewed by Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT, Nutrition, Personal Training — Written by Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT — Updated on April 30, 2024


You may be able to tell if chicken is still good by its appearance, smell, and texture. Following safe storage practices can reduce your risk for illness.

Chicken is a versatile, nutritious food that’s a diet staple for many households.

However, like many poultry and meat products, chicken can spoil. This can affect its taste and texture — and in some cases, make you ill.

That’s why it’s important to know how to tell whether chicken has gone bad. Fortunately, you can look for certain signs to make sure you’re eating chicken that is safe to consume.

This article helps you learn how to tell whether chicken has gone bad.

Share on PinterestCameron Whitman/Stocksy United

Appearance and color​

Depending on whether you have raw or cooked chicken, there are a few important things to notice in terms of its appearance and color.

Raw chicken​

Before preparing chicken, it’s important to look at its appearance for signs of spoilage.

Raw chicken should have a light pink color with white fatty pieces. If the flesh is gray or green or if the fat is yellow in color, this is a sign of spoilage and you should discard the chicken.

That said, it’s normal if there are mild color changes in the chicken’s flesh.

For example, you may observe a slight darkening or fading of the pink flesh, a normal result of oxymyoglobin — a red protein and pigment — converting to metmyoglobin after being exposed to oxygen (1Trusted Source).

Though not always a sign of spoilage, this can mean that the chicken isn’t as fresh. Fresh chicken should still only be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days, if not cooked before then, it should be frozen (2).

Typically, as long as the chicken is safely stored in the refrigerator or freezer, mild color changes are normal.

Finally, if you notice any visible signs of spoilage, such as mold growth, throw the chicken out. Unlike with hard cheese, you can’t just cut off a small section where mold growth has occurred, so you should discard the entire piece or batch of chicken (3).

Spoiled chicken may be slimy or sticky to the touch or have an off odor. If you notice any of these things, discard the meat (3).

Cooked chicken should be white, with no pink pieces of flesh. Pink flesh is a sign of undercooked chicken.

If you’re storing chicken as leftovers, be sure to keep it in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or less, in a sealed container for a maximum of 3 days.

And be sure to put it right in the fridge after cooking or eating — chicken can spoil if left out in the “temperature danger zone” of 40°F (4°C) to 140°F (60°C) for more than a few hours.

This is a temperature range in which bacteria grows exponentially and increases the risk for foodborne illness (2).
If you notice any visible signs of mold growth or color changes between the time you put the chicken in the refrigerate and when you intend to eat it, throw it away (2).

It can be difficult to spot mold or color changes if there are any seasonings or dressings on the chicken.

That’s why you should eat the chicken within 3 days of cooking it. Be sure to reheat the chicken to at least 165°F (74°C), using a food thermometer to measure its internal temperature (2, 4Trusted Source).

A telltale sign of bad chicken is a foul smell.

Raw, fresh chicken will have a very mild smell or none at all. If your chicken has a very apparent smell, such as a sour or sulfur-like smell similar to rotten eggs, throw it out.
However, you should never rely on smell alone to determine if chicken is safe to eat.

People’s sense of smell can vary, which means not everyone will notice a change in the smell of chicken. So, look out for other signs of spoilage as well (5).

Fresh raw chicken has a glossy, somewhat soft texture.

It shouldn’t be slimy, sticky, or tacky. If your hands have a slimy residue on them after touching raw chicken, this is a sign it has gone bad.

Cooked chicken is firm and drier than raw chicken. If you notice any texture changes, such as increased softness, sliminess, stickiness, or residue, it’s likely no longer safe to eat (6).

Along with clear signs of spoilage, you will want to make note of the dates listed on the package as well as consider when you purchased the chicken (2, 7).

First, always look at the use-by date before purchasing chicken. You may notice that a package of chicken can have two dates listed on it: a “pack date” and a “best if used by” date.

The first refers to the date the chicken was packaged and is intended for use by manufacturers and retailers, rather than consumers.

Instead, the “use by” date is the one you should refer to. This is the date by which the manufacturer recommends you use the food in order to experience “peak quality.”
If you plan to eat chicken within 1–2 days, you can choose a package that’s approaching its use-by date, which is usually on sale. If you’re not going to use fresh chicken by its use-by date, it’s best to freeze it for later use (2).

It’s also best to grab raw chicken at the end of your grocery trip. This reduces the time it spends in your cart in the danger zone.

Be sure to take the chicken home immediately and place it in the fridge or freezer.

In the freezer, chicken can last up to at least 9 months, provided it’s tightly sealed. (Though the FDA notes chicken can remain in a freezer indefinitely, the quality may diminish if left in too long.) Before putting the chicken in the freezer, write the purchase date on the package to keep track (2, 8Trusted Source).

In the fridge, fresh uncooked chicken can last 1–2 days (2, 8Trusted Source).

If you have already cooked the chicken, you need to eat it within 3-4 days, and you should always store it in the refrigerator.
Being able to tell when your chicken has gone bad will help keep you and your family safe from foodborne illness.

Fresh raw chicken is usually a light pink color with white pieces of fat, has little to no odor, and is soft and moist. If your chicken is slimy, has a foul smell, or has changed to a yellow, green, or gray color, these are signs that your chicken has gone bad.

Toss any chicken that’s past its use-by date, has been in the fridge for more than 2 days raw or 4 day cooked, or has been in the temperature danger zone for over 2 hours.

Though these signs are useful, the saying rings true: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

 

[bobby]

Check if the cheekon ever go to jail?

 

[ginfreely]

How to Tell if Chicken Has Gone Bad​

Medically reviewed by Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT, Nutrition, Personal Training — Written by Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT — Updated on April 30, 2024


You may be able to tell if chicken is still good by its appearance, smell, and texture. Following safe storage practices can reduce your risk for illness.

Chicken is a versatile, nutritious food that’s a diet staple for many households.

However, like many poultry and meat products, chicken can spoil. This can affect its taste and texture — and in some cases, make you ill.

That’s why it’s important to know how to tell whether chicken has gone bad. Fortunately, you can look for certain signs to make sure you’re eating chicken that is safe to consume.

This article helps you learn how to tell whether chicken has gone bad.

Share on PinterestCameron Whitman/Stocksy United

Appearance and color​

Depending on whether you have raw or cooked chicken, there are a few important things to notice in terms of its appearance and color.

Raw chicken​

Before preparing chicken, it’s important to look at its appearance for signs of spoilage.

Raw chicken should have a light pink color with white fatty pieces. If the flesh is gray or green or if the fat is yellow in color, this is a sign of spoilage and you should discard the chicken.

That said, it’s normal if there are mild color changes in the chicken’s flesh.

For example, you may observe a slight darkening or fading of the pink flesh, a normal result of oxymyoglobin — a red protein and pigment — converting to metmyoglobin after being exposed to oxygen (1Trusted Source).

Though not always a sign of spoilage, this can mean that the chicken isn’t as fresh. Fresh chicken should still only be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days, if not cooked before then, it should be frozen (2).

Typically, as long as the chicken is safely stored in the refrigerator or freezer, mild color changes are normal.

Finally, if you notice any visible signs of spoilage, such as mold growth, throw the chicken out. Unlike with hard cheese, you can’t just cut off a small section where mold growth has occurred, so you should discard the entire piece or batch of chicken (3).

Spoiled chicken may be slimy or sticky to the touch or have an off odor. If you notice any of these things, discard the meat (3).

Cooked chicken should be white, with no pink pieces of flesh. Pink flesh is a sign of undercooked chicken.

If you’re storing chicken as leftovers, be sure to keep it in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or less, in a sealed container for a maximum of 3 days.

And be sure to put it right in the fridge after cooking or eating — chicken can spoil if left out in the “temperature danger zone” of 40°F (4°C) to 140°F (60°C) for more than a few hours.

This is a temperature range in which bacteria grows exponentially and increases the risk for foodborne illness (2).
If you notice any visible signs of mold growth or color changes between the time you put the chicken in the refrigerate and when you intend to eat it, throw it away (2).

It can be difficult to spot mold or color changes if there are any seasonings or dressings on the chicken.

That’s why you should eat the chicken within 3 days of cooking it. Be sure to reheat the chicken to at least 165°F (74°C), using a food thermometer to measure its internal temperature (2, 4Trusted Source).

A telltale sign of bad chicken is a foul smell.

Raw, fresh chicken will have a very mild smell or none at all. If your chicken has a very apparent smell, such as a sour or sulfur-like smell similar to rotten eggs, throw it out.
However, you should never rely on smell alone to determine if chicken is safe to eat.

People’s sense of smell can vary, which means not everyone will notice a change in the smell of chicken. So, look out for other signs of spoilage as well (5).

Fresh raw chicken has a glossy, somewhat soft texture.

It shouldn’t be slimy, sticky, or tacky. If your hands have a slimy residue on them after touching raw chicken, this is a sign it has gone bad.

Cooked chicken is firm and drier than raw chicken. If you notice any texture changes, such as increased softness, sliminess, stickiness, or residue, it’s likely no longer safe to eat (6).

Along with clear signs of spoilage, you will want to make note of the dates listed on the package as well as consider when you purchased the chicken (2, 7).

First, always look at the use-by date before purchasing chicken. You may notice that a package of chicken can have two dates listed on it: a “pack date” and a “best if used by” date.

The first refers to the date the chicken was packaged and is intended for use by manufacturers and retailers, rather than consumers.

Instead, the “use by” date is the one you should refer to. This is the date by which the manufacturer recommends you use the food in order to experience “peak quality.”
If you plan to eat chicken within 1–2 days, you can choose a package that’s approaching its use-by date, which is usually on sale. If you’re not going to use fresh chicken by its use-by date, it’s best to freeze it for later use (2).

It’s also best to grab raw chicken at the end of your grocery trip. This reduces the time it spends in your cart in the danger zone.

Be sure to take the chicken home immediately and place it in the fridge or freezer.

In the freezer, chicken can last up to at least 9 months, provided it’s tightly sealed. (Though the FDA notes chicken can remain in a freezer indefinitely, the quality may diminish if left in too long.) Before putting the chicken in the freezer, write the purchase date on the package to keep track (2, 8Trusted Source).

In the fridge, fresh uncooked chicken can last 1–2 days (2, 8Trusted Source).

If you have already cooked the chicken, you need to eat it within 3-4 days, and you should always store it in the refrigerator.
Being able to tell when your chicken has gone bad will help keep you and your family safe from foodborne illness.

Fresh raw chicken is usually a light pink color with white pieces of fat, has little to no odor, and is soft and moist. If your chicken is slimy, has a foul smell, or has changed to a yellow, green, or gray color, these are signs that your chicken has gone bad.

Toss any chicken that’s past its use-by date, has been in the fridge for more than 2 days raw or 4 day cooked, or has been in the temperature danger zone for over 2 hours.

Though these signs are useful, the saying rings true: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

she made up story one lah. she think she supermodel chiobu but actually she's a laocockcock aunty already

View attachment 209585

You ASPD Cantonese criminal bully dogS sonS of prostituteS telling lies and mental disorder AND CHICKEN ARE you AND YOUR SELF ADMITTED DIRTY SLUT PROSTUTUTE MOTHER NO MONEY GO PARTY BUY ALCOHOL SMOKE CIGARETTES BY OPEN LEG BIG BIG PUI!

 

[Balls2U]

You ASPD Cantonese criminal bully dogS sonS of prostituteS telling lies and mental disorder AND CHICKEN ARE you AND YOUR SELF ADMITTED DIRTY SLUT PROSTUTUTE MOTHER NO MONEY GO PARTY BUY ALCOHOL SMOKE CIGARETTES BY OPEN LEG BIG BIG PUI!

 

[ginfreely]

View attachment 209592

 

[ginfreely]

How to Tell if Chicken Has Gone Bad​

Medically reviewed by Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT, Nutrition, Personal Training — Written by Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT — Updated on April 30, 2024


You may be able to tell if chicken is still good by its appearance, smell, and texture. Following safe storage practices can reduce your risk for illness.

Chicken is a versatile, nutritious food that’s a diet staple for many households.

However, like many poultry and meat products, chicken can spoil. This can affect its taste and texture — and in some cases, make you ill.

That’s why it’s important to know how to tell whether chicken has gone bad. Fortunately, you can look for certain signs to make sure you’re eating chicken that is safe to consume.

This article helps you learn how to tell whether chicken has gone bad.

Share on PinterestCameron Whitman/Stocksy United

Appearance and color​

Depending on whether you have raw or cooked chicken, there are a few important things to notice in terms of its appearance and color.

Raw chicken​

Before preparing chicken, it’s important to look at its appearance for signs of spoilage.

Raw chicken should have a light pink color with white fatty pieces. If the flesh is gray or green or if the fat is yellow in color, this is a sign of spoilage and you should discard the chicken.

That said, it’s normal if there are mild color changes in the chicken’s flesh.

For example, you may observe a slight darkening or fading of the pink flesh, a normal result of oxymyoglobin — a red protein and pigment — converting to metmyoglobin after being exposed to oxygen (1Trusted Source).

Though not always a sign of spoilage, this can mean that the chicken isn’t as fresh. Fresh chicken should still only be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days, if not cooked before then, it should be frozen (2).

Typically, as long as the chicken is safely stored in the refrigerator or freezer, mild color changes are normal.

Finally, if you notice any visible signs of spoilage, such as mold growth, throw the chicken out. Unlike with hard cheese, you can’t just cut off a small section where mold growth has occurred, so you should discard the entire piece or batch of chicken (3).

Spoiled chicken may be slimy or sticky to the touch or have an off odor. If you notice any of these things, discard the meat (3).

Cooked chicken should be white, with no pink pieces of flesh. Pink flesh is a sign of undercooked chicken.

If you’re storing chicken as leftovers, be sure to keep it in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or less, in a sealed container for a maximum of 3 days.

And be sure to put it right in the fridge after cooking or eating — chicken can spoil if left out in the “temperature danger zone” of 40°F (4°C) to 140°F (60°C) for more than a few hours.

This is a temperature range in which bacteria grows exponentially and increases the risk for foodborne illness (2).
If you notice any visible signs of mold growth or color changes between the time you put the chicken in the refrigerate and when you intend to eat it, throw it away (2).

It can be difficult to spot mold or color changes if there are any seasonings or dressings on the chicken.

That’s why you should eat the chicken within 3 days of cooking it. Be sure to reheat the chicken to at least 165°F (74°C), using a food thermometer to measure its internal temperature (2, 4Trusted Source).

A telltale sign of bad chicken is a foul smell.

Raw, fresh chicken will have a very mild smell or none at all. If your chicken has a very apparent smell, such as a sour or sulfur-like smell similar to rotten eggs, throw it out.
However, you should never rely on smell alone to determine if chicken is safe to eat.

People’s sense of smell can vary, which means not everyone will notice a change in the smell of chicken. So, look out for other signs of spoilage as well (5).

Fresh raw chicken has a glossy, somewhat soft texture.

It shouldn’t be slimy, sticky, or tacky. If your hands have a slimy residue on them after touching raw chicken, this is a sign it has gone bad.

Cooked chicken is firm and drier than raw chicken. If you notice any texture changes, such as increased softness, sliminess, stickiness, or residue, it’s likely no longer safe to eat (6).

Along with clear signs of spoilage, you will want to make note of the dates listed on the package as well as consider when you purchased the chicken (2, 7).

First, always look at the use-by date before purchasing chicken. You may notice that a package of chicken can have two dates listed on it: a “pack date” and a “best if used by” date.

The first refers to the date the chicken was packaged and is intended for use by manufacturers and retailers, rather than consumers.

Instead, the “use by” date is the one you should refer to. This is the date by which the manufacturer recommends you use the food in order to experience “peak quality.”
If you plan to eat chicken within 1–2 days, you can choose a package that’s approaching its use-by date, which is usually on sale. If you’re not going to use fresh chicken by its use-by date, it’s best to freeze it for later use (2).

It’s also best to grab raw chicken at the end of your grocery trip. This reduces the time it spends in your cart in the danger zone.

Be sure to take the chicken home immediately and place it in the fridge or freezer.

In the freezer, chicken can last up to at least 9 months, provided it’s tightly sealed. (Though the FDA notes chicken can remain in a freezer indefinitely, the quality may diminish if left in too long.) Before putting the chicken in the freezer, write the purchase date on the package to keep track (2, 8Trusted Source).

In the fridge, fresh uncooked chicken can last 1–2 days (2, 8Trusted Source).

If you have already cooked the chicken, you need to eat it within 3-4 days, and you should always store it in the refrigerator.
Being able to tell when your chicken has gone bad will help keep you and your family safe from foodborne illness.

Fresh raw chicken is usually a light pink color with white pieces of fat, has little to no odor, and is soft and moist. If your chicken is slimy, has a foul smell, or has changed to a yellow, green, or gray color, these are signs that your chicken has gone bad.

Toss any chicken that’s past its use-by date, has been in the fridge for more than 2 days raw or 4 day cooked, or has been in the temperature danger zone for over 2 hours.

Though these signs are useful, the saying rings true: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Ok lor let me go dig out all the dog’s incriminating threads 还想抵赖ask me to take note woh Cantonese son of SELF ADMITTED SLUT @Franjipani you and your fellow dogs take note violent death is waiting for you the one one that you targeted and persecuted with your Cantonese dog pride is a virgin and never a chicken slut unlike your cheap self admitted dirty slut women Pui!

@ginfreely
pls take note

You criminal bully dogs Cantonese sons of prostitutes smearing and harassing me one want to 洗白launder your dirty defamation crimes to nothing by acting innocent and got the audacity to ask me take note. No need to talk so much you dare not swear to die a violent death that your chicken and outright prostitute with my particulars threads are not targeting me. Pui!

K Shanmugam Sc I see the parliament news today 22 November 24 on internet bullying, Singapore government seems to restrict internet bullying to youth phenomenon when this is far from truth. Many internet bullies are not youths at school but adults or even old people like the lazy idle Cantonese bullies in a rat hole forum that take salary don’t work but spent working hours ganging up to abuse me everyday and when you fight their bullying and sexual harassment, a self admitted Cantonese man in the group shamelessly turned around to repeat lies that I want to have sex with him.

Six days ago I made a post that documented these adult bullies ganging up to bully me « Unfortunately there are many criminal bullies hiding in rat hole forum brazenly doing defamation crimes to me everyday and for years. Their profile is self claimed Cantonese or Hakka that used Cantonese vulgarities on me and one such brazen and proud Cantonese criminal with self admitted Cantonese dirty slut mother just took my life story and twist into a cheap slut whore mistress story when I am a virgin with annulled marriage. « .

Subsequent to this post, not only did the brazen Cantonese criminal bully proudly doing defamation crimes of me showed no signs of remorse but he proudly churned out mass of daily chicken and mistress threads and gang up with other Cantonese and Hakka bullies in the group to make sleazy and insulting comments of me either directly or indirectly using insinuating insults.

And everyone knows it’s Chinese culture to refer to prostitutes as chicken and this brazen Cantonese bully actually started a thread before in March 24 to explain why are prostitutes called chicken so it’s definitely not innocent but evil intentional harassment of me.

And this brazen Cantonese criminal serial liar and other bullies ganging up in the rat hole forum have the audacity to do defamation crimes and harassment crimes to me then act innocent and turned around to call me mad. They think their identity is unknown and can hide in rat hole to abuse me for years to feel good in their jealous sore loser life, such evil people should be severely punished.

Update 3 December 24 the evil arrogant Cantonese bullies continue to do defamation crimes on me smearing and insulting me as slut prostitute and one of the Cantonese bully that spewed much Cantonese vulgarities on me previously and self admitted a thief that committed CBT in office and was jailed for buying illegal goods made defamatory baseless false accusations of me cheating money of my family members and relatives to buy condo etc character assassination of me.

Actually what happened to me is like what happened to the Malaysian influencer that committed suicide and died with people making lewd comments and more. In fact what I encountered is much worse both online and offline with these vicious Cantonese and other bullies hiding in rat hole forum and offline bullies that made whistles and knocks.