All About Ground chicken
Your complete guide to ground chicken - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Ground chicken Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for ground chicken 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 package)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Same as unopened: dull, greyish-brown or greenish discoloration; sour, strong, or putrid odor; slimy or sticky texture.
How to Check
-
Smell Test: Check for any off-odors (sour, ammonia-like, strong 'chicken' smell).
-
Visual Inspection: Look for discoloration, especially grey or green patches.
-
Touch Test: If it feels slimy or sticky to the touch, discard it. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Once opened, transfer any unused ground chicken to an airtight container or re-wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to minimize air exposure. Cook or freeze promptly.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Dull or faded color; sour, rancid, or unpleasant odor; slimy texture; visible mold (rare if stored correctly for this duration).
How to Check
-
Smell Test: Any sour, off, or chemical-like smell is a sign of spoilage.
-
Visual Inspection: Look for dullness, discoloration, or any fuzzy mold growth.
-
Touch Test: If it feels slimy or sticky, it's unsafe. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked ground chicken rapidly (within 2 hours) and store in an airtight container to prevent bacterial growth and absorption of fridge odors. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) when consuming.
raw in freezer3-4 months (for best quality); safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°C)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, grey/brown patches, tough texture upon thawing); off-odors or sliminess after thawing (indicating spoilage before freezing or during improper thawing).
How to Check
-
Visual Inspection (Frozen): Check for excessive ice crystals or freezer burn, which indicate quality degradation.
-
Smell Test (After Thawing): Thaw safely in the refrigerator and then check for any sour or unpleasant odors, and visually inspect for discoloration or sliminess. Discard if any spoilage signs are present after thawing.
Storage Tips
For best quality, wrap ground chicken tightly in freezer paper, heavy-duty aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Thaw safely in the refrigerator, allowing ample time (e.g., overnight).
raw in fridge (unopened package)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Dull, greyish-brown or greenish discoloration; sour, strong, or putrid odor; slimy or sticky texture.
How to Check
-
Smell Test: Open the package and take a sniff. Any strong, unpleasant, or sour smell indicates spoilage.
-
Visual Inspection: Look for changes in color from the typical pinkish-white to dull grey, green, or brown.
-
Touch Test: If it feels slimy, sticky, or unusually tacky, it's likely spoiled. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally on the bottom shelf to prevent any potential drips from contaminating other foods. Plan to cook or freeze within 1-2 days of purchase.
cooked in freezer2-3 months (for best quality); safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°C)
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored areas); significant loss of texture or flavor upon thawing and reheating; off-odors after thawing.
How to Check
-
Visual Inspection (Frozen): Look for freezer burn.
-
Smell Test (After Thawing): Thaw in the refrigerator and check for any off-odors before reheating. Discard if it smells bad.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked ground chicken completely before freezing. Store in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date. Thaw safely in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).