In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does vacuum-sealed chicken last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of a vacuum-sealed chicken. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled vacuum-sealed chicken.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does vacuum-sealed chicken last in the fridge?
Raw vacuum-sealed chicken lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit while cooked vacuum-sealed chicken lasts for about 14 days when properly refrigerated.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for vacuum-sealed chicken’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep vacuum-sealed chicken at?
Vacuum sealed 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 vacuum-sealed chicken at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does vacuum-sealed chicken last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, vacuum-sealed chicken lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, vacuum-sealed 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 vacuum-sealed chicken left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does vacuum-sealed chicken last in the freezer?
Vacuum-sealed chicken lasts for 2-3 years in the freezer.
As a result, freezing the vacuum-sealed chicken extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the vacuum-sealed chicken.
How to defrost frozen vacuum-sealed chicken?
You can quickly defrost frozen vacuum-sealed chicken by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed vacuum-sealed chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before reheating and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen vacuum-sealed 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 chicken at home?
You may even vacuum seal your chicken at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the 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 chicken at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated chicken?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen chicken has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the 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 chicken, and reheated 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 vacuum-sealed chicken?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your vacuum-sealed chicken has gone bad. To determine if the vacuum-sealed chicken has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your vacuum-sealed chicken or if it has turned gray or brown, it’s time to throw it out.
Texture
If you touch the vacuum-sealed 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 vacuum-sealed chicken, it’s time to throw it out.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your chicken and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store chicken?
- Because the temperature swings a lot near the fridge door, it’s best to put your vacuum-sealed chicken on one of the shelves rather than the door.
- To keep the freshness of vacuum-sealed chicken after opening the package, place the remaining chicken in an airtight container or plastic zipper bag.
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the cooked 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 a chicken, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Chicken that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Cooked chicken should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow it to cool quickly.
You can read how to make chicken lollipops here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does vacuum-sealed chicken last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of a vacuum-sealed chicken. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled vacuum-sealed chicken.