All About Chicken hearts
Your complete guide to chicken hearts - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Chicken hearts Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for chicken hearts 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.
raw in fridge (opened/after packaging)1 day
Signs of Spoilage
Accelerated development of dull color, sliminess, and strong, unpleasant odors compared to unopened hearts.
How to Check
Similar to unopened raw hearts, but check more frequently. Visual: Look for graying or dullness. Touch: Check for increased sliminess or tackiness. Smell: Any strong, sour, or foul odor means it's spoiled. Do not taste raw meat.
Storage Tips
Once opened, exposure to air accelerates spoilage. If not cooking immediately, repackage in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to minimize air exposure, but still use within 24 hours.
raw in freezer3-4 months (for best quality); up to 6 months (for safety)
Signs of Spoilage
While freezing stops bacterial growth, quality can degrade. Signs include freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery patches) which affects texture and flavor. After thawing, if the hearts have a very strong, off-putting smell or are excessively slimy, they may have been close to spoilage before freezing or suffered significant quality loss.
How to Check
Visual (after thawing): Check for freezer burn or unusual discoloration. The color should still be a deep red. Smell (after thawing): Should have a mild, fresh meat smell. Any strong, sour, or putrid odor means it's unsafe. Do not taste raw meat.
Storage Tips
Freeze as soon as possible after purchase for optimal quality. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Thaw safely in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
raw in fridge (unopened/freshly bought)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Dull, grayish-brown color; slimy or sticky texture; strong, sour, or putrid odor.
How to Check
Visual: Fresh chicken hearts should be a vibrant, deep reddish-purple. Look for any dullness or graying. Touch: They should feel firm and moist, not slimy or sticky. Smell: A mild, slightly metallic fresh meat smell is normal. Any sour, ammonia-like, or distinctly 'off' smell is a strong indicator of spoilage. Do not taste raw meat.
Storage Tips
Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the bottom shelf, to prevent cross-contamination from any potential drips. Place the package on a plate or in a shallow container.
cooked in freezer2-3 months
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to raw frozen, primarily quality degradation like freezer burn. After thawing and reheating, if there's an off-flavor or smell, it indicates spoilage or significant quality loss.
How to Check
Visual (after thawing): Check for freezer burn or unusual discoloration. Smell (after thawing/reheating): Should smell like freshly cooked chicken hearts, not sour or off.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked hearts completely before freezing. Store in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date. Thaw safely in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Dry or hardened texture; discolored patches (e.g., greenish or grayish spots); visible mold growth; sour, rancid, or otherwise unpleasant smell.
How to Check
Visual: Look for any mold, unusual discoloration, or excessive dryness. Smell: Should smell like cooked chicken hearts, not sour, cheesy, or 'off'. Texture: Should not be overly dry, hard, or slimy.
Storage Tips
Allow cooked hearts to cool rapidly (within 2 hours) before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container to prevent bacterial growth and absorption of fridge odors. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).