Cooking chicken is a great way to get a healthy, tasty meal on the table in a hurry. But if you don't take the time to check the freshness of your raw chicken, you could end up with a nasty surprise. To ensure that your raw chicken is safe to eat, it's important to know the telltale signs that it has gone bad. Expert online butchers reveal the three key signs that your raw chicken has spoiled.
The Meat has Grey and Yellow Spots:
When you inspect your raw chicken for signs of spoilage, the first thing you should look for is any discolouration. If your chicken has any grey or yellow spots on it, that is a sign that it has gone bad and should be thrown away.
These spots are usually caused by bacteria growth which can result in food poisoning if eaten. It's important to remember that these spots may not always be visible to the naked eye, so it's best to throw out the chicken as soon as you suspect it may have gone bad.
The Texture is Slimy:
When handling raw chicken, it is important to be aware of any changes in texture. If the chicken feels slimy or sticky, this is a sure sign that it has gone bad. Additionally, if there are any lumps or bumps on the surface of the chicken, discard it immediately as these can indicate spoilage.
According to online butchers, fresh chicken should be smooth, soft, and a bit slippery. If the chicken feels dry or leathery, it has likely gone bad. Any slimy residue on the surface of the chicken is a sign of bacteria growth, indicating spoilage. When checking the texture of the chicken, be sure to feel all areas of the meat, including the breasts, wings, and thighs.
It Smells Weird:
Once you order online meat delivery, fresh raw chicken will have a mild smell, with no sign of a sour or putrid odour. If the chicken gives off an unpleasant odour, it is likely unsafe to eat and should be discarded. When you smell the chicken, pay attention to any offensive odours. If the smell is sharp or ammonia-like, the chicken is not fresh and should be avoided.
Additionally, if the smell is particularly strong, this can be a sign that the chicken has been contaminated with bacteria and could be dangerous if consumed. It is best to discard the chicken if you notice any foul odours.
Raw chicken is a great ingredient to have in your kitchen, but it's important to ensure that it hasn't gone bad before you start cooking with it. Always make sure to purchase fresh quality chicken from a reliable supplier while ordering butcher delivery. That way, you can ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.
FAQs
Chicken has likely gone bad if it has a strong, unpleasant odor. Another sign is a change of color; raw chicken should be pink, while cooked chicken should be white. It often turns grey when it begins to spoil. Check for mold as well, and avoid chicken that has a slimy texture.
How to tell if raw chicken is gone bad? ›
Fresh raw chicken is usually a light pink color with white pieces of fat, has little to no odor, and is soft and moist. If your chicken is slimy, has a foul smell, or has changed to a yellow, green, or gray color, these are signs that your chicken has gone bad.
How do you know if you've had bad chicken? ›
"Cooked chicken will start to appear gray or greenish, and have a softer or slimier texture when it starts to go bad; as well as a foul smell. Cooked chicken may also develop mold or white patches on it, which indicates it has gone bad," says Katie Tomaschko, M.S., RDN.
Can chicken be slimy but still good? ›
While raw chicken can naturally have a slimy feel, if you clean it and after you pat it dry with a paper towel, it still has a slimy texture to it, it's time to throw it out.
What happens if you eat chicken that's gone bad? ›
While some of these cases are due to eating raw or undercooked chicken, you also can get sick from chicken that has spoiled. Common food poisoning symptoms range from nausea and vomiting to weakness, muscle aches, chills, and even fever — and they may not start until weeks afterward.
How can you tell if chicken food is bad? ›
Like raw chicken, you should definitely throw out cooked chicken if it is growing mold. Still, mold may not necessarily grow on spoiled meat—you should also consider the texture and smell. If it's mushy, slimy, or odorous, go ahead and throw it out.
Is raw chicken good after 3 days? ›
Fresh, whole chicken or chicken parts will last for 1 to 2 days when stored in the refrigerator, according to FDA guidelines. “Once you cook chicken or chicken dishes, your food should not sit out at room temperature for over 2 hours—or over 1 hour if the temperature is 90 degrees F or above,” Amidor says.
Is stringy raw chicken bad? ›
Studies indicate that chicken with the spaghetti meat defect is entirely safe to eat. However, the texture and nutritional profile is negatively impacted. Spaghetti meat chicken has been shown to have less protein and more fat than unaffected poultry.
Is yellow raw chicken bad? ›
Color and packaging
Fresh raw chicken should have a pink hue to it with fat parts being white. If the color fades, it's looking yellow or gray in color, has mold or a different color tinge, it's no longer safe to eat. When purchasing frozen chicken, check for signs of thawing and refreezing.
How to tell if ground chicken is bad? ›
Freshly ground turkey or chicken will have a light pink hue and virtually no smell. Like raw beef, raw poultry may get slightly gray or brown as it ages but the contrast may not be as obvious, so it's important to sniff it and thoroughly look for any slick or slimy residue before you use it any recipe.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be kept in your fridge approximately 1–2 days. The same applies to raw turkey and other poultry (1).
Is 2 year old frozen chicken still good? ›
It depends on the cut. A whole chicken or turkey can be kept in the freezer for up to one year. Chicken or turkey in pieces can be kept in the freezer for up to nine months. Ground chicken or turkey is best consumed within three to four months if frozen from the date of purchase.
Should I throw up if I ate raw chicken? ›
Unfortunately, once you eat raw chicken, there's not much you can do about it. Chugging water or rinsing your mouth won't bring on any magical fixes. And forcing yourself to vomit? 'That won't help either,' Dr.
How to tell raw chicken is bad? ›
Fresh, raw chicken is pink and fleshy in color; if the chicken has gone bad it will be discolored and take on a dull, grayish cast. “Signs of food spoilage are pretty universal,” White says. “Any foul odor, discoloration or foreign substances on your chicken would be grounds for tossing.”
How long after eating bad chicken does it affect you? ›
The time it takes food poisoning symptoms to start can vary. Illness often starts in about 1 to 3 days. But symptoms can start any time from 30 minutes to 3 weeks after eating contaminated food. The length of time depends on the type of bacteria or virus causing the illness.
What should I eat if I ate bad chicken? ›
Gradually begin to eat bland, low-fat, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas and rice. Stop eating if you feel sick to your stomach again. Avoid certain foods and substances until you're feeling better.
Is it okay if chicken smells a little? ›
Fresh chicken has very little aroma, although it may have a slight “funky” odor if it's been sealed with its juices for a while. Chicken that smells strongly should be a warning sign. If the odor is fishy, sour or sulfur-like—reminiscent of rotten eggs—it's no longer safe to eat.
How long does it take for raw chicken to spoil? ›
The bottom line
Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. To detect if chicken has gone bad, check the “best if used by” date and look for signs of spoilage like changes in smell, texture, and color.
Can you eat expired raw chicken? ›
Check package labels for the sell-by date—if you're past the date, it's better to toss it rather than risk consuming it and getting sick. Although the sell-by date is a general timeline, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines recommend storing raw chicken in the fridge for no longer than 1 to 2 days.
How can you tell if chicken is slightly raw? ›
Poke the Meat
For properly cooked chicken, if you cut into it and the juices run clear, then the chicken is fully cooked. If the juices are red or have a pinkish color, your chicken may need to be cooked a bit longer.
