You wouldn’t want to eat any food that you didn’t like. This is why it’s important to know how to tell if a chicken is bad. You can do this by inspecting the meat for many things. You can look out for a slimy or sticky texture, a sour smell, and gray undertones. In addition, you can also look for signs of mold formation.
By being aware of how to tell if a chicken is bad, you can ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Now you know how to tell if a chicken is bad in a few simple steps! We hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to identify when chicken could have gone bad. Remember that prevention is key – it is always best to store your chicken correctly and cook it immediately for the safest results.
Know the Appearance, Color & Smell of the Chicken Before Cooking
When it comes to the appearance and color of chicken, there are a few things to notice, depending on whether it’s raw or cooked.
1. Cooked Chicken Lasts Three To Four Days
Whether you’re cooking a whole chicken or reheating leftovers, it’s important to know how long cooked chicken lasts. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends keeping most chicken and poultry in the refrigerator for three to four days. However, this is not a foolproof rule.
One of the simplest ways to extend the shelf life of a cooked chicken is to freeze it. You can freeze the chicken in a freezer bag or container and then remove it from the refrigerator to thaw. Then, reheat the chicken as you would a fresh cut.
When freezing chicken, remember to keep the container or bag you’re using airtight. You can also use a Glad Press’s Seal(r) Wrap to help lock in extra freshness.
If you’re reheating leftovers, make sure you reheat them at a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly in all parts.
2. Know the Mold Formation On The Surface of the Chicken
Identifying the difference between mold formation on the surface of the chicken and other foods can be tricky. Some foods can become contaminated with mold and mycotoxins, which can lead to food poisoning.
Most foods are susceptible to mold. However, food stored improperly or in a wet climate is especially prone to mold contamination. This is because mold needs moisture to grow.
Mold is a type of fungus. It grows on plant matter and animal matter. Mold produces spores, which are tiny particles that are air, insect, and water carriers. These spores have blue-green speckles on their surface. In addition, mold is usually harmless, but it can be dangerous. Some types of mold can cause allergic reactions, while others can produce mycotoxins, which can make you sick.
3. A Sour Chicken Smell
Generally, a sour smell when eating chicken is a sign that the meat is not fresh. It is also a warning sign that it may contain bacteria. This may lead to a nasty foodborne illness. If you are uncertain about what you eat, you should probably throw it out.
While you should always check for signs of spoilage before cooking, there are some things you can do to eliminate the sour smell from your chicken.
The first step is to wash your chicken. Washing it under the tap can cross-contaminate the meat, so you should try to rinse it well. This can also remove the bad smell.
4. Know the Gray Undertone of Chicken
Fortunately, it’s not always a matter of chucking the carcass. The good news is that there are ways to identify bad chicken without a second glance. If you’re a person who takes their poultry seriously, you’ll know when to stop reading. Those with a keen eye will know when the chicken is at its worst.
The bad news is it’s not always easy to spot. If you are on the hunt for good poultry, make sure to check your freezer for the following signs of life.
First, make sure you have the right equipment. A good vacuum sealer can go a long way. In addition to preventing moisture from escaping, it also serves as a moisture absorber. If your freezer is not airtight, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
5. A Sticky or Slimy Texture
Using your sense of smell, you can tell if the chicken has gone bad. Then you’ll know when to toss it out.
Fresh raw chicken has little or no odor and should be light pink or white. It should also be firm and juicy. If it feels slimy or sticky, it may be spoiled.
If you’re unsure of the quality of the chicken you’ve purchased, it’s best to discard it immediately. Chicken that is past its expiration date is usually slimy and rotten. It may also have a foul smell, which is a sign of spoilage.
If you’re worried about consuming spoiled chicken, take a sample of the meat and smell it. The chicken’s texture should be firm, compact, and white.
Final Words
If you are unsure how to tell if the chicken is bad, the simplest answer is to go by the smell test. If it has a rancid or sour odor, discard it immediately. Additionally, check for any visible signs of spoilage like discoloration, sliminess, or any unusual odors.
Pay attention to how long the chicken has been sitting out and how it has been stored. Finally, if you’re still in doubt, don’t risk eating the chicken – discard it as a precautionary measure. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your chicken is safe to eat and free from any food-borne illness.
