Poultry · Shelf Life · 2026
🍗 How Long Does Raw Chicken Last?
Fridge, freezer, and pantry storage times — plus how to tell when it has gone bad.
QUICK ANSWER
Raw chicken lasts 1-2 days in the refrigerator and up to 9 months in the freezer. Never store raw chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How Long Does Raw Chicken Last?
Signs Raw Chicken Has Gone Bad
- ⚠️ Slimy texture even after rinsing
- ⚠️ Grey or green colour instead of pink
- ⚠️ Sour or ammonia-like smell
- ⚠️ Dull or faded appearance
Raw Chicken Storage Tips
- Store on the bottom fridge shelf to prevent drips
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Freeze if not using within 2 days
- Thaw in fridge overnight — never on counter
- Use a separate cutting board for raw poultry
⚠️
When in doubt, throw it out — foodborne illness from raw chicken can be severe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Raw chicken stored for 3 days is past the 1-2 day safe window. Discard it to be safe.
Marinated raw chicken lasts 1-2 days in the fridge — the marinade does not extend the safe storage window.
If thawed in the fridge, refreeze within 1-2 days. If thawed by other methods, cook first before refreezing.
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