Cups & Temps

How long does raw chicken last?

Raw chicken keeps 1-2 days in the fridge at 40°F or below. Frozen at 0°F it stays safe indefinitely; for best quality use parts within 9 months and whole chickens within 1 year.

Counter2 hours2-hour rule for perishables
Fridge1–2 daysat 40°F or below
Freezer9–12 months9 months for parts, 1 year for whole chickens

Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked .

When does it need to be eaten?

Pick the food and the day it went into the fridge or freezer. We count forward using USDA storage times.

Where

Pick a date to see the use-by day.

How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?

1–2 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Can you freeze raw chicken?

Yes. For best quality use it within 9–12 months. 9 months for parts, 1 year for whole chickens; best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F.

  • Freeze in the store package overwrapped with foil or a freezer bag, or rewrap airtight.
  • Freeze parts flat and individually so they thaw faster.

After thawing: If thawed in the fridge, cook within 1-2 days or refreeze uncooked; cook immediately if thawed in cold water or the microwave.

How long can raw chicken sit out?

No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.

How to tell if raw chicken has gone bad

  • Sour or off odor
  • Slimy or sticky surface
  • Gray or greenish color

Bacteria that cause food poisoning don't always change the look or smell of food, so go by the storage times above. When in doubt, throw it out.

Questions people ask

Can I keep raw chicken in the fridge for 3 days?

USDA advises cooking or freezing raw chicken within 1-2 days of purchase. Past that, freeze it or toss it.

Can you refreeze chicken that was thawed in the fridge?

Yes. Chicken thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, though texture may suffer a little. Chicken thawed in cold water or the microwave should be cooked before refreezing.

How long does chicken last in the fridge?

Raw chicken keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

How long does chicken last in the freezer?

For best quality, 9–12 months in a 0°F freezer. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; time only affects taste and texture.

How long can uncooked chicken stay in the fridge?

Raw chicken keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?

Raw chicken keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

How long can raw chicken marinate in the fridge?

Up to 2 days, always in the refrigerator. Boil used marinade before using it as a sauce, or discard it.

Sources