How Long Does Vacuum-sealed Chicken Last In The Fridge?

How long does vacuum-sealed chicken last in the fridge?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does vacuum-sealed chicken last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of a vacuum-sealed chicken in different mediums. Moreover, we are going to discuss the easy way to vacuum seal chicken at home and the advantages of vacuum sealing.

So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.

How long does vacuum-sealed chicken last in the fridge?

The vacuum-sealed chicken lasts for about 1-2 weeks when stored at approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the fridge. Vacuum sealed meat increases the shelf life of the product by 3 – 5 times as compared to regular plastic bags or plastic containers.

As we know that meat is a highly perishable commodity so vacuum sealing effectively increases the shelf life of the chicken and other meat items by halting their air exposure.

As we know that air has oxygen and moisture in it and if that air comes in contact with the meat it can provide a suitable environment for the bacteria to grow on it, thereby can degrade the quality of the meat quickly. So by doing vacuum sealing, we remove all the air surrounding the meat, thus vacuum sealing preserves the freshness, flavor, and quality of meat for a long time.

What are the factors that affect the shelf life of vacuum-sealed chicken?

Several factors affect the shelf life of not only chicken but also other meats.

The level of freshness of the meat (whether or not chicken was fresh at the time it was vacuum sealed)
The acidity and the pH level of the meat (chicken)
In the case of marinated meat, the ingredients that are used in its marination
The temperature at which the meat (chicken) is stored
Sanitation and cleanliness measures are taken during handling and storing meat (chicken)
The quality of lamination (plastic wrap) or the plastic zipper bag that is used to vacuum seal the meat

What is the optimum temperature to store vacuum-sealed chicken in the fridge?

You should always store your vacuum-sealed chicken at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it is always advised to store your vacuum-sealed chicken at a lower temperature to preserve its freshness and quality for a long time.

How should you store vacuum-sealed chicken in the fridge?

It is better to store your vacuum-sealed chicken on one of the shelves of the fridge rather than the door as the temperature fluctuates a lot at the door of the fridge.

Once you open the package of vacuum-sealed chicken, it is recommended to store the remaining chicken in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag to preserve its freshness.

You should let the frozen chicken thaw in the fridge overnight and afterward cook it till its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

But if you are thawing the chicken in a microwave or a bowl of cold water it is recommended to cook it immediately till its temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you freeze vacuum-sealed chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the vacuum-sealed chicken. Moreover, the vacuum-sealed chicken frozen properly can last for about 2-3 years in the freezer.

Can I vacuum-seal chicken at home?

Yes, you can vacuum-seal chicken at home. You can opt for vacuum sealing at home that involves the process of putting the chicken in a plastic zipper bag, removing air from it, and almost sealing the bag with a little space left while lowering it into water.

Afterward, press out the bubbles from the bag starting from the bottom of the bag and once you reach the sealed end, you should press the seal closed.

The reason behind doing vacuum sealing is to ensure that there is minimum air present in the plastic zipper bag with the chicken.

As air has moisture and oxygen in it that favors bacterial growth, so by removing air, chicken can retain its freshness for a long time.

For a more easy approach, you can also use the vacuum sealer for vacuum sealing your meat at home quickly and easily.

What are the advantages of vacuum sealing?

Your refrigerator will be more organized when you place vacuum-sealed meat instead of big bowls or containers of meat. Moreover, vacuum-sealed meat takes less space than heavy and big containers.

Vacuum sealing plays an important role in protecting your meat from freezer burns.

Vacuum sealing preserves the flavor and freshness of the meat for a long time. Thus, you do not have to rush to the market every time you want to cook meat, you can just buy a bulk of vacuum-sealed meat, or you can vacuum seal the meat yourself at home and store it in your freezer, as vacuum-sealed meat can stay for too long in your freezer.

Other FAQs about Chicken which you may be interested in.

Can you eat chicken past the sell-by date?

Can you eat chicken 3 days after the sell-by date?

Can you eat smoked chicken without cooking it?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does vacuum-sealed chicken last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of a vacuum-sealed chicken in different mediums. Moreover, we discussed the easy way to vacuum seal chicken at home and the advantages of vacuum sealing.