All About Chicken bones
Your complete guide to chicken bones - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Chicken bones Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for chicken bones in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Cooked (e.g., from a roast) in fridge2-3 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky texture; mold growth (fuzzy spots of various colors, often green, black, or white); sour, rancid, or ammonia-like smell; dull or discolored appearance, sometimes with dark spots.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any visible mold, significant discoloration, or a slimy coating. Conduct a smell test; discard immediately if any unpleasant, sour, or 'off' odors are detected. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Ensure cooked bones are cooled rapidly (within 2 hours) after the initial meal before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container to prevent odor absorption and bacterial growth. Use promptly for stock, or freeze for longer storage.
Raw in fridge1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky texture on the surface; dull, grayish, or greenish discoloration (especially in areas that were originally pink or white); strong, sour, or putrid odor that is distinctly unpleasant.
How to Check
Visually inspect the bones for any changes in color or the presence of a slimy film. Perform a smell test: a fresh, neutral or slightly meaty smell is good; any strong, unpleasant, or 'off' odor (e.g., sulfurous, sour, ammonia-like) indicates spoilage. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Store raw chicken bones in a sealed, leak-proof bag or container on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator to prevent any potential drips from contaminating other foods. Use as quickly as possible. Do not wash before storing as this can spread bacteria.
Raw or Cooked in freezer3-6 months (for best quality), up to 1 year (safe)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, leathery, gray or white patches on the surface, indicating dehydration); a strong, 'old meat' or stale smell upon thawing (though still safe, quality may be compromised); excessive ice crystals that indicate repeated thawing/refreezing or poor sealing.
How to Check
Visually check for severe freezer burn. After thawing completely in the refrigerator, perform a smell test; while a slight 'freezer smell' is normal, a strong rancid or foul odor means spoilage. The texture might be mushy or dry if badly frozen or very old. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Wrap bones tightly in heavy-duty freezer bags, vacuum-seal bags, or airtight containers to minimize exposure to air and prevent freezer burn. Remove as much air as possible from bags. Label with the date of freezing. Thaw safely in the refrigerator before using for stock. For optimal flavor and quality of stock, aim to use within 3-6 months.