How to... Store Chicken

Appears in

Published 2009

Fresh chicken should be taken out of its packaging, covered loosely with plastic wrap and put on a plate to catch any drips. Keep it in the fridge, and not where it can drip onto other food. Cook it within 2 days.
Frozen chicken must be solid and tightly wrapped when you buy it. Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, sealed in a bag with the air squeezed out (write the date on a label).
Thaw chicken carefully as bacteria, such as salmonella, can be activated if it gets too warm. Thaw in the fridge, not at room temperature. (And not in a bowl of warm water because you forgot to do it earlier!)
Use thawed chicken within 12 hours and never refreeze. Store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days.