When it comes to where to store chicken in the refrigerator, it’s important to keep it in a safe location to prevent cross-contamination and the growth of harmful bacteria.
But where exactly should you store it?
The answer may surprise you.
According to food safety experts, cooked chicken should be stored on the top shelf of the refrigerator, away from other foods.
This helps to prevent any drips or spills from contaminating other items in the fridge.
It’s also important to cover the chicken to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods.
When it comes to storing raw chicken, it should be kept on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent any drips or spills from contaminating other foods.
It’s also important to keep the chicken in its original packaging or in a sealed container to prevent any cross-contamination.
And be sure to use the chicken within a few days of purchase to ensure its freshness and safety.
Where In The Refrigerator Should The Chicken Be Stored?
If you’re wondering where to store your chicken in the refrigerator, it’s important to keep in mind that raw chicken should always be stored at a temperature of 40°F or below.
This helps to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.
Here are some tips on how to properly store your chicken in the refrigerator.
Packaging of Chicken
When you purchase chicken from the grocery store, it’s important to keep it in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it.
This packaging is designed to keep the chicken fresh and prevent any contamination from other foods in your shopping cart or refrigerator.
If the packaging has been damaged or torn, it’s best to transfer the chicken to a new container or plastic bag before storing it in the refrigerator.
Placement in the Refrigerator
When it comes to storing chicken in the refrigerator, it’s important to place it in the right location.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
- This helps to prevent any drips or spills from contaminating other foods.
- Keep the chicken in its original packaging or transfer it to a clean, sealed container or plastic bag before storing it in the refrigerator.
- Avoid storing chicken in the door of the refrigerator, as this area tends to be warmer and less consistent in temperature.
- Make sure there is enough space around the chicken in the refrigerator to allow for proper air circulation.
- Avoid overpacking the shelves, as this can hinder the flow of cold air and impact the temperature consistency.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your chicken stays fresh and safe to eat.
Remember to always wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Cross Contamination Risks
When storing chicken in the refrigerator, it is important to be aware of the risks of cross-contamination.
Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria from one food item spreads to another food item, causing foodborne illness.
In order to avoid cross-contamination, follow these tips:
Avoiding Cross Contamination
- Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf or in a meat drawer to prevent it from dripping onto other foods.
- Keep raw chicken in a sealed container or wrapped securely to prevent raw juices from contaminating other foods.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other foods.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw chicken.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards that come into contact with raw chicken.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Cleaning and sanitizing are important steps in preventing cross-contamination.
Cleaning removes dirt, grime, and visible soil from surfaces while sanitizing reduces the number of harmful bacteria on surfaces.
- Clean surfaces with hot, soapy water and a scrub brush or sponge.
- Rinse surfaces with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
- Sanitize surfaces with a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.
- Allow surfaces to air dry or dry with a clean towel.
By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of cross-contamination and help keep your food safe and healthy to eat.
Other Factors To Consider
When storing cooked chicken in the refrigerator, there are a few other factors to consider to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat.
Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Temperature Settings
Proper temperature settings are crucial for keeping your cooked chicken safe to eat.
The temperature inside your refrigerator should be set to between 34°F and 40°F (1°C and 4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure that the temperature remains within this range.
Store the cooked chicken in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which is usually the back of the bottom shelf.
This will help it stay at a safe temperature and prevent it from spoiling too quickly.
Avoid storing it on the top shelf or in the door, as these areas are usually warmer and can cause the chicken to spoil faster.
Expiration Dates
Cooked chicken will generally stay safe to eat for three to four days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
However, some preparations should be refrigerated for just one to two days.
Always check the expiration date of the chicken before storing it in the refrigerator, and make sure to consume it before the expiration date has passed.
If you’re not sure whether your cooked chicken is still safe to eat, look for signs of spoilage such as a sour smell, slimy texture, or discoloration.
When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your cooked chicken stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to storing chicken in the refrigerator, there are a few key points to remember:
- Store raw chicken at the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent any raw juices from dripping onto other foods and potentially causing cross-contamination.
- Cooked chicken will generally stay safe to eat for three to four days, but some preparations should be refrigerated for just one to two days.
- Proper packing and storage temperature will maximize the amount of time the cooked chicken remains fresh.
- Allow the fried chicken to cool slightly before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Reheat the fried chicken before serving to keep it crispy.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your chicken stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.
Remember to always practice good food safety habits when handling and storing raw or cooked chicken.