Storage decision
Chicken after a power outage: fridge and freezer checks
An unopened refrigerator keeps food cold about 4 hours; after 4 hours without power, discard refrigerated perishable chicken under FoodSafety.gov guidance.
U.S. home food-safety guidance.Check the source and scope
What to do
- Record the outage start and avoid opening the doors; a full freezer may hold about 48 hours, a half-full one about 24 hours if closed.
- For refrigerated chicken, use the 4-hour rule and discard if it was above 40°F for 2 hours or more (1 hour above 90°F).
- For each frozen package, check for ice crystals or a temperature of 40°F or below before deciding to cook or refreeze.
Conditions and limits
- Approximate freezer hours are not a guarantee for a specific package.
- Do not taste chicken or rely on odor to decide whether a power outage was harmless.
Source and scope
Primary reference: FoodSafety.gov Food Safety in a Disaster or Emergency. Equipment-specific steps and quality suggestions are practical guidance; check the appliance or product instructions for your model. How this site uses sources.