How long does raw chicken keep?

United States Reviewed May 2026 Method v1.1 EU/UK: package use-by dates govern

Refrigerate raw chicken (whole or pieces) for 1 to 2 days at 40 °F (4 °C) or below. In the freezer at 0 °F (−18 °C) it stays safe indefinitely, with best quality for 9 months (pieces) to 1 year (whole).

The 1–2 days is safety guidance; the freezer figures are quality targets. A package use-by or freeze-by date supersedes this general guidance.

Pantry

Not safe

Max 2 h at room temperature

Refrigerator ≤ 40 °F (4 °C)

1–2 days

Safety guidance

Freezer 0 °F

9–12 months

Best quality · safe indefinitely

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Can I freeze it?

Generally suitable

Raw chicken freezes very well. Freeze within the 1–2 day refrigerator window; best quality for 9–12 months at 0 °F.

It stays safe indefinitely while continuously frozen — the months are a quality target. Freezing in the store tray is fine for short storage; overwrap or repackage for longer storage to prevent freezer burn.

Prepare & portion. Divide into meal-sized portions. Pat dry. Keep raw chicken sealed and below other foods so juices cannot drip.

Package. Freezer bags with air pressed out, or vacuum sealing. Overwrap store trays with freezer wrap for storage beyond a month or two. Label with the frozen date.

Thaw & use. Thaw in the refrigerator (about 24 h for 1–2 lb), in cold water with 30-minute changes, or in the microwave with immediate cooking. Cook to 165 °F (74 °C).

Thawing and post-thaw handling

Thaw in the refrigerator (allow about 24 hours for small portions), in cold water in a leak-proof bag with water changes every 30 minutes, or in the microwave followed by immediate cooking. Never thaw on the counter. Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).

Refreezing

Chicken thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen without cooking, with some quality loss. Chicken thawed in cold water or the microwave must be cooked before refreezing. The general rules are in the refreezing guide and the Refreezing Decision tool.

Common mistakes

Storing raw chicken above ready-to-eat food, where juices can drip and cross-contaminate.
Rinsing raw chicken in the sink — it spreads bacteria and is not recommended by USDA.
Trusting the sell-by date over the 1–2 day refrigerator rule after purchase.

Package exception: A printed use-by date (EU/UK) or specific package instruction supersedes this general guidance.

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Source-to-claim map
1–2 day refrigerator rule; 9–12 month freezer quality target — FoodSafety.gov — Cold Food Storage Chart · Indefinite frozen safety; refreezing rules — USDA FSIS — Freezing and Food Safety · Approved thawing methods — USDA FSIS — The Big Thaw: Safe Defrosting Methods · All sources · Change history · Report a correction