Wondering how long KFC chicken lasts in the fridge? This post explains all you need to know.
I can picture it in my mind: the crispy, soft, golden-brown KFC chicken piece. It’s no wonder that it’s loved by many. But there’s an issue. Just like any other food, it has a shelf life.
You always have to ensure your KFC leftovers don’t go bad. Because if they do, the contamination might lead to critical illness. And the fridge comes in as a lifesaver in this situation.
But how long does KFC chicken last in the fridge? You’re in the right place if you’ve been wondering about this. I’ll tackle this question in-depth.
Let’s dive in.
How Long Can You Keep KFC Chicken in The Fridge?
KFC chicken can remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days if properly stored. This shelf life, however, can change based on the storage conditions, the age of the chicken, and whether or not it has been reheated.
Remember that the suggested period for storing KFC chicken in the fridge is only that—a suggestion. The easiest way to tell if the chicken is still safe to eat is to use your instincts, even if KFC and food safety experts say four days is the maximum storage duration.
The smell test is one technique to determine if KFC chicken has gone bad. The chicken is no longer suitable for consumption if it smells sour, rotten, or odd.
Also, it’s better to throw out the chicken immediately if there are any apparent mould symptoms or if it has a slimy feel.
Cooked chicken kept too long at room temperature or in the danger zone (between 40 and 140°F) can quickly develop bacteria. Refrigerating KFC chicken as soon as you finish eating is essential to prevent food poisoning and other infections.
It’s preferable to err on the side of caution and toss your leftover KFC chicken if you’re unsure if it’s still safe to consume. Foodborne sickness from eating rotten chicken can be hazardous, especially for small children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.
KFC chicken can stay fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator, but it’s always advisable to use your senses to judge whether it’s still safe to eat. Throw it out if you’re unsure! Better safe than sorry.
Best Practices for Storing KFC Chicken in The Fridge
KFC chicken should be kept in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. Here are the best practices in terms of storing the chicken:
Quickly store the chicken: Refrigerate any leftover KFC chicken as soon as you’re done eating. Put food in the refrigerator as soon as possible after cooking since bacteria can multiply quickly at room temperature.
Use the proper containers for storage: Store the KFC chicken in airtight containers or resealable bags. They prevent the chicken from drying out. And this reduces the chance of cross-contamination with other items in the refrigerator.
Maintain the ideal temperature in the refrigerator: Keep the temperature of your refrigerator below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth. It also maintains the chicken’s quality. If you struggle to ensure the temperature is accurate, get a refrigerator thermometer.
Try not to stack the chicken: In the refrigerator, stacking KFC chicken might cause uneven cooling, which promotes bacterial growth. Alternatively, arrange the chicken in a single layer with some room between each piece.
Reheat the chicken correctly: If you choose to reheat leftover KFC chicken, ensure it reaches a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to destroy bacteria. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer.
How to Reheat KFC Chicken Safely
Standard practice begs that you reheat your KFC chicken. Here’s how to do it safely:
Use the proper technique: KFC chicken may be warmed up in various ways, including the oven, microwave, and stovetop. But not all techniques are equal, and some may result in uneven reheating and a change in the chicken’s texture.
The best way to reheat KFC chicken is in the oven since it keeps the coating crisp. If you do it in the microwave, you risk turning your chicken mushy. No one likes mushy chicken!
If you plan to reheat your KFC chicken in the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and put it on a baking sheet.
You should reheat for 20–25 minutes. But the time it takes to reheat depends on how big the chunks are.
Cover the chicken: Cover with aluminum foil or put it in an oven-safe dish with a lid to keep it from drying out.
Keep from overcooking: KFC chicken can lose moisture and texture if overcooked. To be safe, check the chicken every few minutes and take it out of the oven when fully heated.
How to Tell if KFC Chicken Has Gone Bad
Before reheating, always check the quality of your chicken (if it’s gone bad). Here’s what to look out for:
Nasty smell: If the KFC chicken has a nasty, rotten, or sour smell, it has probably gone bad. The chicken may smell bad because of the fumes that bacteria produce.
Slimy or sticky texture: If the chicken has a slimy or sticky texture, bacteria may grow on its surface.
Discoloration: The chicken may have gone bad if it appears grey, green, or yellow. Fresh chicken is either pink or light brown.
Changes in texture are also a clue that the chicken is spoilt. It may have gone bad if it feels particularly mushy or has a dry, rubbery texture.
Taste: If the chicken has an odd aftertaste, it may have gone bad. Throw it away!
Be careful with what you eat. These warning signs let you know if your KFC chicken is fit for consumption.
FAQS
How long can you keep KFC chicken in the fridge?
If stored correctly in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator’s coldest section, KFC chicken can be kept there for up to four days.
Can you reheat KFC chicken after 2 days?
If the KFC chicken has been stored correctly in the refrigerator and hasn’t already spoiled, you can reheat it after two days. Reheating the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is crucial for safety. And it’s best you use an oven for reheating.
How long can you keep KFC chicken out?
KFC chicken should not be left outside for longer than two hours. After that, dangerous germs may begin to develop on the chicken. It’s recommended to store KFC chicken in the fridge or freezer as soon as you can.
Can I store KFC fried chicken in fridge?
Yes, you can. You can store it for up to four days. Properly store it in an airtight container and keep it in the coldest section of your fridge. For easy tracking, label the container with the chicken with the date.
Is it okay to eat KFC after 12 hours?
While KFC chicken left out for 12 hours is generally safe to consume, the quality and freshness may suffer. If the chicken has been kept in a freezer or refrigerator, it is most likely fit for consumption. Check whether the chicken has a smell or slimy texture. These signs indicate it’s not fit for eating because of the presence of bacteria.
Can I eat 1 day old KFC chicken?
Yes, you can. This is if the KFC chicken has been stored correctly in the refrigerator. And if it doesn’t show any signs of spoiling, such as an odd odor, color, or texture. Reheat the chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating it to assure its safety.
Before You Go…
Now you know how long KFC chicken lasts in the fridge. But have you ever tried to make the chicken at home? Here’s a helpful article on that…
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