Storage decision
How to tell if chicken is bad: signs and limits
Unusual smell, discoloration, or a slimy texture is a reason to discard; their absence does not establish safety.
U.S. home food-safety guidance.Check the source and scope
What to do
- Check the purchase, cooking, thawing, and refrigeration dates first.
- Check whether raw chicken stayed within its 1 to 2 day refrigerator window or cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
- Discard when holding conditions were unsafe or unknown, even if the chicken looks normal.
Conditions and limits
- Do not taste questionable chicken.
- Cooking or reheating is not a way to repair spoiled or improperly held food.
Source and scope
Primary reference: FoodSafety.gov 4 Steps to Food Safety. Equipment-specific steps and quality suggestions are practical guidance; check the appliance or product instructions for your model. How this site uses sources.