How long are chicken strips good for in the fridge?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long are chicken strips good for in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of chicken strips. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot bad chicken strips.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long are chicken strips good for in the fridge?
Chicken strips last for about 3-4 days if stored at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the fridge according to the standards set by the USDA. It should be stored in air-tight containers or plastic zipper bags on one of the shelves of the refrigerator.
Moreover, as chicken is a highly perishable commodity therefore care should be taken while handling, storing, and cooking it.
It is worth mentioning that the figures mentioned above are the estimated shelf life of chicken strips.
What is the optimum temperature to store chicken strips?
You should always store your chicken strips at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it is always advised to store your chicken strips at a lower temperature to preserve their freshness for a long time.
How long do chicken strips keep at room temperature?
Chicken strips last for about 2 hours when kept at room temperature.
You should discard the chicken strips that have been left in open for more than 2 hours as bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore there are greater chances of the chicken strips being already contaminated with bacteria when left out for more than 2 hours.
Moreover, if the temperature of the surroundings is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then the process of spoilage takes place at a faster pace and it is recommended to discard chicken strips that are left out in the open for more than an hour at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long are chicken strips good for in the freezer?
Chicken strips, if kept wrapped in aluminum foil in an air-tight container or air-tight plastic freezer bag, can last for up to 4 months in the freezer.
Thus keeping the chicken strips in the freezer will increase their shelf life considerably owing to the cool temperature of the freezer that halts the bacterial growth on the chicken strips.
How long do chicken strips last after being frozen and thawed?
Frozen chicken strips if thawed in the refrigerator can stay there for 3-4 days before reheating and consuming them.
But if you thaw your chicken strips in a bowl of cold water or the microwave, it is advised to use them immediately after heating them till their internal temperature rises to 165 °F.
You can read how to make chicken nuggets here.
Different ways to spot bad chicken strips
There are a couple of indicators that point out bad chicken strips. You should consider the appearance, texture, and smell of the chicken strips to reach a final verdict on whether or not they have gone bad.
Appearance
If you spot a mold or other organic growth on your chicken strips then it means that your chicken strips have gone bad and the best thing you can do in this scenario is to get rid of them.
It is worth mentioning that you should refrain from smelling chicken that has molds on it as molds can produce mycotoxins that if they enter your body even via inhalation can disrupt your gut microflora thereby weakening your immune system.
Color
If you notice that the color of the chicken strips has changed from pink to greenish-grey or brown then it is an indication that your chicken strips have gone bad and it is better to discard them.
Several factors can be responsible for a change in the color of the chicken strips and that includes light, oxidation reactions, temperature, and bacterial contamination.
Texture
If you feel something slimy or gooey while touching the chicken strips then it means that your chicken strips have gone bad and it is better to discard them.
But keep one thing in mind that rinsing the chicken won’t help you in this scenario as you won’t be able to get rid of the bacteria. Rinsing the bacteria-laden chicken will put you at risk of cross-contamination as the bacteria will spread in the utensils and other food items that will come in contact with the water from the chicken that has gone bad.
It is worth mentioning that you should wash your hands thoroughly after touching the bacteria-laden chicken strips or else the bacteria will transfer from your hands to any other thing that comes in contact with your hands.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while taking a sniff test of your chicken strips then it means that your chicken strips have gone bad.
If microbes somehow found their way to your chicken and have spoiled it then the best thing you should do is to discard it.
Other FAQs about Chicken that you may be interested in.
How long is chicken good in the fridge?
Can you eat 2 year old frozen chicken?
Can I eat cooked chicken 6 days old?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long are chicken strips good for in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of chicken strips. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot bad chicken strips.
