Fridge time: (whole, parts, ground or giblets) 1 to
2 days
Freezer time: To
assure quality, follow these freezing
guidelines: whole - 12 months; parts - 9
months; ground - 3 to 4 months; giblets - 3 to
4 months.
If a use-by date expires
while the chicken is frozen, the product can
still be
used.
Boneless chicken breasts
will usually defrost overnight in the
refrigerator. Bone-in parts and whole chickens
may take 1 to 2 days or longer. Once the raw
chicken defrosts, it can be kept in the refrigerator
an additional day or two before cooking. During
this time, if chicken defrosted in the
refrigerator is not used, it can safely be
refrozen without cooking
first.
If using microwave or cold water
submersion methods of defrosting, following the
general safe
handling instructions.
Chicken may be marinated in the
refrigerator up to 2 days. Boil used marinade
before brushing it on cooked chicken and
discard any uncooked leftover
marinade.
If you intend to stuff a
chicken, it must be stuffed immediately before
cooking. Some USDA-inspected frozen stuffed
whole chicken MUST be cooked from the frozen
state to ensure a safely cooked product. Follow
cooking instructions on the
label.
The USDA recommends cooking chicken to a
minimum of 165°F to ensure safety.
Higher
temperatures may be used to achieve the texture
and degree of doneness that consumers prefer.
Note: Pregnant
women, children, elderly and immuno-compromised
individuals can be at an increased risk of
developing foodborne illnesses that can have
dire consequences. Additional care should be
taken for safe
handling.
