If you've bought fresh chicken, or plans changed after you've defrosted it, chicken can last up to two days in the fridge. Read our tips below to safely store chicken so nothing goes to waste!

How long can you store raw chicken in the fridge?

Fresh, raw chicken can last in the fridge for up to 2 days but must be cooked before the use-by-date, even if that is sooner. Freeze it if you don’t plan to cook it within that time (this can be done right up to midnight on the use- by-date).

Storing raw chicken in the fridge

Raw chicken should be stored in an airtight container and placed on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent leaks that might contaminate other food.

If bought from a supermarket, you can safely store raw chicken in the packaging it came in. Otherwise, it’s best to store the chicken in an airtight container or bag.

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How to tell if raw chicken is safe to eat

When you are ready to cook the chicken, check that it is still safe to eat. Unsafe chicken will be discoloured with a dull greyish hue and will have a strong odour indicating it has begun to spoil. The texture of spoiled chicken will feel slimy or sticky to the touch and it may be sitting in a pool of liquid.

If in doubt, throw it out!