Introduction
It’s summertime and that means barbecue season is here! But what do you do with all the leftovers from your outdoor feast? One popular item that often gets overlooked when it comes to food storage is fried chicken. How long can you keep fried chicken in the refrigerator and how should it be stored for optimal freshness? Read on for answers to these questions and more.
How to Store Fried Chicken for Optimal Freshness
The first step to properly storing fried chicken is to place it in an airtight container. This will prevent any bacteria or other contaminants from getting into the food. Once the chicken is in the container, wrap or cover it with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or wax paper. This will help to keep the moisture in the chicken and prevent it from drying out.
The next step is to store the chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator. This will slow down the growth of bacteria and keep the chicken fresh for longer. It’s also a good idea to separate white and dark meat before storing. This will help ensure that the two types of meat cool down evenly.
How Long Does Fried Chicken Last in the Refrigerator?
When stored properly, fried chicken can last up to four days in the refrigerator. The key is to make sure that the chicken is wrapped well and stored in the coldest part of the fridge. If you don’t follow these steps, the chicken won’t last as long.
Tips for Making Fried Chicken Last Longer in the Fridge
The best way to make sure your fried chicken lasts as long as possible is to not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria grows rapidly at room temperature, so it’s important to refrigerate the chicken as soon as possible. Additionally, using shallow containers to store the chicken will help ensure even cooling.
The Dos and Don’ts of Storing Fried Chicken
When storing fried chicken, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind. First, always wrap leftovers well to prevent bacteria from entering the food. Second, store the chicken in the coldest part of the fridge. Third, never store cooked chicken in its original packaging. Finally, don’t leave cooked chicken out for more than two hours.
The Best Way to Keep Fried Chicken Fresh in the Refrigerator
The best way to ensure that your fried chicken stays fresh for as long as possible is to monitor the temperature of the refrigerator and adjust the settings if needed. Additionally, use shallow containers to ensure even cooling, and wrap leftovers well.
Is It Safe to Eat Leftover Fried Chicken After a Few Days?
Yes, as long as the chicken was stored properly and not left out for too long, it is safe to eat leftover fried chicken after a few days. However, it is still important to check the chicken for signs of spoilage before eating it.
How to Reheat Fried Chicken to Make it Taste as Good as New
If you need to reheat fried chicken, the best way to do it is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and then place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
Conclusion
Storing and reheating fried chicken properly can help ensure that it stays fresh and tastes as good as new. Follow the tips above to make sure your fried chicken lasts as long as possible in the refrigerator. Monitor the temperature of the fridge and adjust settings if needed. Separate white and dark meat before storing and use shallow containers to ensure even cooling. Wrap leftovers well and don’t leave cooked chicken out for more than two hours. Finally, if you need to reheat the chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
