how long is it safe to keep a defrosted chicken in the fridge before using it?

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5 Comments

rohitkale March 28, 2016
however, is because your fridge is still cold enough to minimize microbial activity. Since the raw meat never truly gets warm, the likelihood of colonization and bacterial growth is relatively minimal...
http://www.howtodefrostchicken.com/
 
Hilarybee October 28, 2010
The FDA says you should only keep the chicken for 1-2 days. Freeze for one year.
http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/storagetimes.html
Also:http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/ResourcesForYou/HealthEducators/UCM109315.pdf

Here is a link from another foodpickle question about storing raw chicken:
http://www.food52.com/foodpickle/821-i-bought-a-fresh-chicken-t
 
RavensFeast October 28, 2010
Agree w/ the three day suggestion too! I used to work in purchasing for a specialty meat purveyor, so knew exactly when the meat was processed. We gave it five days from the day of slaughter; after that, it went immediately to the freezer. That said, once that meat goes through the chain (to a retailer, to the customer), you're losing days. Was it frozen immediately after processing (unlikely) or after it sat in a cold case an additional 5 days...who knows. Your best best is to thaw and use in 72 hrs.
 
Krystal F. October 27, 2010
I used to be a food inspector and we gave kitchens a maximum of 72hrs from time you defrost. So I agree three days is safe.
 
Mr_Vittles October 27, 2010
Three days is safe, five is pushing it, and a week maximum. And as always if you open it up and it smells even a little foul, its time to say goodbye to the fowl.
 
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