In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long do chicken wings last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of chicken wings. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled chicken wings.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long do chicken wings last in the fridge?
Chicken wings last in the fridge for 3-4 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for chicken wings’ expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep chicken wings at?
Chicken wings should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your chicken wings at a lower temperature to keep them fresh for longer.
How long do chicken wings last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, chicken wings last for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, chicken wings left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and chicken wings left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long do chicken wings last in the freezer?
Chicken wings last for 4-6 months in the freezer if stored wrapped in aluminum foil in an airtight plastic freezer bag.
As a result, freezing the chicken wings extends their shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the chicken wings.
How to defrost frozen chicken wings?
You can quickly defrost frozen chicken wings by placing them in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before reheating and consuming them.
If you’re defrosting frozen chicken wings in a bowl of cold water, the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after reheating it till its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal chicken wings?
You may even vacuum seal your chicken wings at home to extend their shelf life. It involves placing the chicken wings in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal chicken wings at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated chicken wings?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen chicken wings have been reheated, they should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the chicken wings goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your chicken wings, and reheated chicken wings should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume them completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled chicken wings?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your chicken wings have gone bad. To determine if chicken wings have gone bad, look at their appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your chicken wings or if they have discolored (brown, green, or gray), it’s time to throw them out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy chicken wings since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the chicken wings and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw them out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your chicken wings, it’s time to throw them out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting chicken wings with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled chicken wings. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your chicken wings and spoiled them, the best thing you can do is throw them out.
How to properly store chicken wings?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the chicken wings within 2 hours they are cooked in airtight containers to extend their shelf life while keeping their quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared chicken wings, keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked chicken wings that have been frozen at 0°C are safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Chicken wings should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow them to cool quickly.
You can read how to make chicken wings here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long do chicken wings last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of chicken wings. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled chicken wings.