Refrigerating chicken is something most people do on a daily basis. But how long can raw chicken be stored? Most people are not fully aware of it. Experts warn that improperly stored chicken can lead to serious health problems. Especially not cooked chicken… one must know how long raw chicken can be safely kept in the fridge.

A fridge is a necessary item in every home these days. Some even store raw chicken for days, thinking that the cold will prevent the food from spoiling quickly. But many people don't know that bacteria can grow in the fridge too. Refrigeration only slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Chicken can spoil quickly, especially if the fridge is opened frequently and the internal temperature rises above 4°C.

Experts suggest that raw chicken should be stored in the fridge for a maximum of 2-3 days only. Best cooked within 48 hours. If you want to store it for more days, put it in a deep freezer. Keeping the chicken completely frozen will keep it from spoiling for a long time.

Chicken should be stored in an airtight container or tightly covered when refrigerated. If left loose there is a risk of bacterial contamination of other foods. And many people wash the chicken before cooking. But experts say bacteria can spread to sinks, stoves and countertops through water droplets. Hence it is safe to cook the chicken directly without washing it. More care is needed as chicken spoils faster especially in summer.

All in all — don't risk keeping raw chicken in the fridge for too long! Properly stored and cooked quickly is good for health.