All About Chicken sausage
Your complete guide to chicken sausage - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Chicken sausage Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for chicken sausage 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/Pre-cooked, Opened in Fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sausage develops a slimy or sticky texture; changes color to grayish-green or brown; emits a strong, sour, or rotten smell; visible mold growth (though less common before other signs).
How to Check
Look for any discoloration or mold. Touch the sausage to check for sliminess. Most importantly, smell it – any pungent, sour, or off-putting odor is a clear sign of spoilage. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Once opened, transfer to an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to minimize exposure to air and prevent cross-contamination. Cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Cooked Leftovers in Fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Dull or faded color; dry or hard texture; sour, musty, or unpleasant smell; visible mold growth.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or any unusual changes in color. Smell the sausage for any off-odors. While cooked meat typically doesn't get slimy, any unusual texture should be noted. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked sausage quickly (within 2 hours) and store in a shallow, airtight container to promote even cooling and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Raw/Pre-cooked, Unopened in Fridge1-2 weeks (or by 'use-by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Package appears swollen or bloated; sausage has a dull, grayish, or greenish discoloration; a slimy or sticky film on the surface; strong, sour, or ammonia-like odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for swelling. Check the 'use-by' date. Upon opening, smell for any off or foul odors. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Always prioritize the 'use-by' date on the package. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness. Even if pre-cooked, it requires refrigeration and proper handling to prevent spoilage.
Frozen (Raw or Cooked)2-3 months (for best quality); safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°C)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, leathery, grayish-brown patches); excessive ice crystals beyond a thin layer; off-flavors or dry, tough texture once thawed and cooked (due to quality degradation, not microbial spoilage).
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. While safe to eat, freezer-burned sausage will have compromised quality. After thawing, if it smells rancid or tastes off, discard it.
Storage Tips
For optimal quality, wrap raw or cooked chicken sausage tightly in freezer paper, heavy-duty aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date. Thaw safely in the refrigerator overnight, not at room temperature. Cook raw frozen sausage directly or after thawing; reheat cooked frozen sausage after thawing.