How long do chicken wings last in the fridge? (+3 Ways to tell)

In this article, we will answer the question “How long do chicken wings last in the fridge?”, and how to tell If the chicken wings have gone bad?

How long do chicken wings last in the fridge?

Chicken wings can last up to 4 days in the fridge. This applies to the chicken wings that have been refrigerated at 4.4℃ or below within 2 hours of sitting at 40℉ or above and within 1 hour at 90℉ and above. The temperature of the fridge should be consistent. 

Refrigeration temperatures only slow down bacterial growth. They do not kill them. After the storage period of 4 days, chicken wings should be discarded.

How long do chicken wings last in the freezer?

Freezing chicken wings is a good choice for extending their shelf-life. Frozen chicken wings will last indefinitely If stored properly. However, it is recommended to consume chicken wings within 6 months of freezing for peak quality. 

After 6 months, the chicken wings do not become unsafe but the quality degrades to a large extent. Consistent freezing temperatures below 0℉ inhibit the growth of bacteria and prevent them from growing in number.

How long do chicken wings last at the counter?

The temperature range of 40-140℉ is called the ‘Danger Zone’. It is because, in this range, bacteria multiply exponentially. If the chicken wings have been sitting out at this temperature for more than 2 hours, they have become unsafe for consumption, according to the USDA.

Therefore, chicken wings would be consumed within 2 hours of cooking. If not, they should go in the fridge or freezer. Wings that have been left out at 90℉ or above have only an hour before they can be consumed without any safety concerns.

How to make chicken wings?

Ingredients 

For Chicken Wings:

• 2 Kg (4 lb) chicken wings cut into drumettes and flats
• 1 tbsp aluminum-free baking powder 
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of cracked pepper

For Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Hot Sauce
• Honey, white sugar, or brown sugar as per taste

For Blue Cheese Dip:

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese softened
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cracked black pepper

For serving:

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing for serving
• Celery sticks for serving

Instructions 

1. Preheat the oven at 450℉ for 15-20 minutes. Line the rimmed or perforated baking tray with an aluminum sheet.
2. Pat dry the chicken wings using paper towels.
3. In a bowl, add baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat this mixture on the chicken wings uniformly.
4. Spread the wings on the baking tray with a distance of 1-inch between them. 
5. Bake the wings for 20-30 minutes until brown and crispy from both sides.
6. Mix hot sauce, butter, and sugar. Coat wings with it and serve with dressing and celery sticks.

The nutritional profile of chicken wings 

A skinless boneless chicken wing that weighs 21 grams contains:

How to tell If the chicken wings have gone bad?

The following signs apply to both cooked and uncooked chicken. If you notice any one of these, discard the chicken. If you are unsure about the signs, it is always better to discord the food than to risk your health.

1. If the chicken wings are past their Best-by date, they are likely to have gone bad and should be discarded. The presence of mold growth is a clear indication of spoilage. Mold appears in the form of grey-green spots or patches.
2. If the chicken wings start giving off an ammonia-like pungent smell, they have gone bad. 
3. If the chicken wings feel slimy to touch, they are bad and should be tossed in the bin. Washing the slimy layer off won’t make the chicken safe for consumption.

Risks of eating spoiled chicken 

Eating spiled chicken can lead to food poisoning which is reflected in vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, stomach ache, high fever, and nausea. Chicken is at high risk of contamination by bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella. 

Reheating the spoiled chicken can kill only surface bacteria. The deadly toxins produced by these spoilage and pathogenic bacteria will remain the chicken and cause food-borne-illness.

The symptoms of food poisoning should be gone in 3 days. If they persist, see a doctor.

Other FAQs about Chicken that you may be interested in.

How long will Rotisserie Chicken Last in the Fridge?

Can you cook chicken after the use-by date?

How to fry already cooked chicken?

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “How long do chicken wings last in the fridge?”, and how to tell If the chicken wings have gone bad?

References

https://oureverydaylife.com/long-can-keep-cooked-chicken-wings-26130.html

https://cafedelites.com/crispy-buffalo-chicken-wings-baked/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calories-in-chicken#wing