In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does Costco rotisserie chicken last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of Costco rotisserie chicken. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled Costco rotisserie chicken.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does Costco rotisserie chicken last in the fridge?
Costco rotisserie chicken lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept wrapped in aluminum foil in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for Costco rotisserie chicken’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep Costco rotisserie chicken at?
Costco rotisserie chicken 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 Costco rotisserie chicken at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does Costco rotisserie chicken last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, Costco rotisserie chicken lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, Costco rotisserie chicken 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 Costco rotisserie chicken left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does Costco rotisserie chicken last in the freezer?
Costco rotisserie chicken lasts for 4 months in the freezer if stored wrapped in aluminum foil in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the Costco rotisserie chicken extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the Costco rotisserie chicken.
How to defrost frozen Costco rotisserie chicken?
You can quickly defrost frozen Costco rotisserie chicken by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed Costco rotisserie chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before reheating and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen Costco rotisserie chicken 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 Costco rotisserie chicken?
You may even vacuum seal your Costco rotisserie chicken at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the Costco rotisserie chicken 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 Costco rotisserie chicken at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated Costco rotisserie chicken?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen Costco rotisserie chicken has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the Costco rotisserie chicken 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 Costco rotisserie chicken and reheated Costco rotisserie chicken should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume it completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled Costco rotisserie chicken?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your Costco rotisserie chicken has gone bad. To determine if Costco rotisserie chicken has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your Costco rotisserie chicken, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy Costco rotisserie chicken 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 Costco rotisserie chicken and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your Costco rotisserie chicken, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting Costco rotisserie chicken 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 Costco rotisserie chicken. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your Costco rotisserie chicken and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store Costco rotisserie chicken?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the Costco rotisserie chicken within 2 hours it is cooked in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared Costco rotisserie chicken, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked Costco rotisserie chicken that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Costco rotisserie chicken should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow it to cool quickly.
You can read more about Costco chicken here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does Costco rotisserie chicken last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of Costco rotisserie chicken. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled Costco rotisserie chicken.