Introduction
When it comes to storing chicken in the refrigerator, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Knowing the best way to store chicken in the refrigerator can help you keep it fresh for longer and prevent food-borne illnesses. In this article, we’ll explore where in the refrigerator chicken should be stored, as well as five tips for keeping it fresh.
5 Refrigerator Storage Tips for Keeping Chicken Fresh
When it comes to storing chicken in the refrigerator, there are a few key points to remember:
Tip #1: Store Raw Chicken at the Bottom Shelf of the Fridge
Raw chicken should always be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This will help prevent any raw juices from dripping onto other foods and potentially causing cross-contamination. It’s also important to ensure that the raw chicken is covered or wrapped in an airtight container or bag.
Tip #2: Keep Chicken Away From Other Foods
It’s important to keep raw chicken away from other foods. This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and food-borne illness. If possible, store the chicken in a designated part of the refrigerator so there is no chance of it coming into contact with other foods.
Tip #3: Use an Air-tight Container or Plastic Bag
Using an airtight container or plastic bag when storing chicken in the refrigerator is important. This will help keep the chicken fresh and reduce the risk of bacteria growth. It’s also important to make sure that the container or bag is sealed tightly so that no air can get in and spoil the chicken.
Tip #4: Store Cooked Chicken Separately from Raw Chicken
It’s important to store cooked chicken separately from raw chicken. This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and food-borne illness. It’s also important to use separate containers or bags for cooked and raw chicken. This will help keep the cooked chicken from becoming contaminated by raw chicken juices.
Tip #5: Don’t Leave Chicken in the Refrigerator for Too Long
It’s important to not leave chicken in the refrigerator for too long. The USDA recommends using cooked chicken within 3-4 days and raw chicken within 1-2 days. It’s also important to check the expiration dates on all packages of chicken before consuming them.
How to Store Chicken in the Refrigerator for Maximum Freshness
In order to ensure maximum freshness when storing chicken in the refrigerator, there are a few steps you can take. These include:
Place Chicken in Airtight Containers or Bags
Using an airtight container or bag when storing chicken in the refrigerator is important. This will help keep the chicken fresh and reduce the risk of bacteria growth. It’s also important to make sure that the container or bag is sealed tightly so that no air can get in and spoil the chicken.
Ensure Proper Temperature and Humidity
It’s important to make sure that the refrigerator is set to the correct temperature and humidity. The ideal temperature is between 35-38°F and the ideal humidity is between 40-50%. This will help ensure that the chicken stays fresh for as long as possible.
Monitor Expiration Dates
It’s important to check the expiration dates on all packages of chicken before consuming them. The USDA recommends using cooked chicken within 3-4 days and raw chicken within 1-2 days. If the chicken has been in the refrigerator for longer than these recommended times, it should be discarded.
The Best Place to Store Chicken in Your Fridge
When it comes to finding the best place to store chicken in the refrigerator, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips for ensuring maximum freshness:
Use the Coldest Part of the Fridge
The coldest part of the refrigerator is usually located near the back wall or in the drawers at the bottom of the unit. This is the best place to store chicken as it will ensure that the chicken stays at a consistent temperature and doesn’t spoil too quickly.
Utilize Shelves Closest to the Freezer
If possible, utilize shelves closest to the freezer. This will help keep the chicken even colder and help it stay fresh for longer. It’s also important to make sure that the chicken is kept away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Storing Chicken Safely: What You Need to Know
When it comes to storing chicken safely, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Here are some tips for ensuring that your chicken is stored safely:
Keep Chicken Separate from Other Foods
It’s important to keep raw chicken away from other foods. This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and food-borne illness. If possible, store the chicken in a designated part of the refrigerator so there is no chance of it coming into contact with other foods.
Avoid Cross-contamination
Cross-contamination is one of the leading causes of food-borne illness. To avoid cross-contamination, make sure to keep raw chicken away from other foods in the refrigerator. It’s also important to use separate containers or bags for cooked and raw chicken.
Dispose of Packaging Immediately
It’s important to dispose of packaging immediately after removing the chicken from it. This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and food-borne illness. It’s also important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken.
Organizing Your Refrigerator: Where to Put the Chicken
Now that you know the best place to store chicken in the refrigerator, it’s time to organize your refrigerator. Here are some tips for organizing your refrigerator:
Place Raw Chicken at the Bottom Shelf
Raw chicken should always be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This will help prevent any raw juices from dripping onto other foods and potentially causing cross-contamination. It’s also important to ensure that the raw chicken is covered or wrapped in an airtight container or bag.
Store Cooked Chicken Separately
It’s important to store cooked chicken separately from raw chicken. This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and food-borne illness. It’s also important to use separate containers or bags for cooked and raw chicken. This will help keep the cooked chicken from becoming contaminated by raw chicken juices.
Use Designated Containers or Bags
Using designated containers or bags for raw and cooked chicken is important. This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and food-borne illness. It’s also important to make sure that the containers or bags are sealed tightly so that no air can get in and spoil the chicken.
Conclusion
Storing chicken properly in the refrigerator is essential for keeping it fresh and safe to eat. When it comes to storing chicken in the refrigerator, it’s important to keep raw chicken at the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, keep it away from other foods, use an airtight container or plastic bag, store cooked chicken separately from raw chicken, and don’t leave chicken in the refrigerator for too long. Additionally, it’s important to use the coldest part of the fridge and utilize shelves closest to the freezer. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your chicken stays fresh and safe to eat.
