How long does Raw Chicken last?
How long does Raw Chicken last? fridge 1–2 days, freezer 9 months (pieces). Plus spoilage signs, sources, and an unopened-vs-opened note.
Quick answer
Sealed / unopened: N/A
Signs Raw Chicken has gone bad
- Gray, green, or yellow tint, slimy or sticky surface, sour or sulfurous smell.
Discard immediately if
- Any slimy texture even after rinsing
- Greenish tinge or strong off-color
- Past the use-by date with any of the above signs
Why guidance varies
Whole cuts keep longer than ground meat because ground meat has more surface area exposed to bacteria; cut type, fat content, and packaging method (vacuum vs. butcher paper) shift duration significantly.
Get a heads-up before it expires. Search the full database instead.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Raw Chicken last?
In the fridge: 1–2 days. In the freezer: 9 months (pieces). Sealed / unopened: N/A. Keep on the bottom shelf to prevent drip contamination. Freeze if not using within 2 days.
How can you tell if Raw Chicken has gone bad?
Signs that Raw Chicken has gone bad: Gray, green, or yellow tint, slimy or sticky surface, sour or sulfurous smell.
What does the date label on Raw Chicken mean?
Raw Chicken usually carries a "Use By" date. The last date the manufacturer recommends for peak quality — for most foods this is still quality-based, not a safety cutoff (infant formula is the one exception). See our date-labels guide for the full breakdown.
Sources for this answer
- A USDA FSIS — Refrigeration and Food Safety — Storage windows and refrigeration guidance for this category.
- A USDA FoodKeeper — Date-label interpretation and food-safety baseline.