Store raw chicken at 40 degrees F or below in the refrigerator, or keep it frozen at 0 degrees F. Raw chicken becomes unsafe when it spends too long above 40 degrees F. If it was left out more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour above 90 degrees F, discard it.
Quick Safety Answer
| Chicken situation | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below | Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf in a leak-proof container | Cold storage slows bacterial growth and helps prevent drips. |
| Freezer at 0 degrees F | Freeze raw chicken for longer storage | Freezing keeps food safe while frozen, though quality changes over time. |
| Raw chicken above 40 degrees F for more than 2 hours | Discard it | It has spent too long in the danger zone. |
| Temperature above 90 degrees F | Use 1 hour instead of 2 hours | Warm conditions make the safe window shorter. |
| You do not know how long it was warm | Discard it | Smell and color cannot prove raw chicken is safe. |
Does Raw Chicken Become Unsafe the Moment It Goes Above 40 F?
Not instantly. The problem is time plus temperature. Above 40 degrees F, raw chicken is in the danger zone where bacteria can grow faster. If chicken briefly warms while you move it from the store to the refrigerator, cool it promptly. If it sits out too long, discard it.
How Long Can Raw Chicken Stay in the Fridge?
FoodSafety.gov lists fresh raw chicken pieces and whole chicken at 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator. If you will not cook it within that window, freeze it while it is still cold and fresh.
| Raw chicken type | Refrigerator time | Freezer quality guide |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh raw chicken pieces | 1 to 2 days | About 9 months for best quality |
| Fresh whole raw chicken | 1 to 2 days | About 1 year for best quality |
| Previously thawed in the refrigerator | Cook within the safe refrigerator window | Refreeze only if it stayed cold and was thawed safely |
| Raw chicken left warm too long | Do not refrigerate for later | Discard instead of freezing or cooking later |
Where to Store Raw Chicken in the Refrigerator
- Use the bottom shelf: keep raw chicken below ready-to-eat foods so juices cannot drip onto them.
- Use a tray or container: place the package in a leak-proof container or on a rimmed tray.
- Keep it cold: use a refrigerator thermometer if you are unsure your refrigerator stays at 40 degrees F or below.
- Do not store it on the door: the door is usually warmer and less stable than the main shelves.
- Freeze promptly: freeze raw chicken if plans change and you cannot cook it within 1 to 2 days.
Thawing and Cooking Notes
Thaw raw chicken in the refrigerator when possible. If you thaw it in cold water or the microwave, cook it right away. Cook chicken to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F, measured with a food thermometer in the thickest part.
Do Not Wash Raw Chicken
Do not rinse raw chicken before storing or cooking. USDA advises against washing raw poultry because splashing water can spread bacteria to the sink, counter, utensils, and nearby foods. Cooking to 165 degrees F is the safety step.
When to Throw Raw Chicken Away
| Sign or history | Decision |
|---|---|
| Left out more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour above 90 degrees F | Discard |
| Stored above 40 degrees F for an unknown length of time | Discard |
| Package leaks onto other foods | Discard contaminated ready-to-eat food and clean surfaces |
| Strong sour or rotten odor, sticky slime, mold, or swollen package | Discard |
| Past the safe refrigerator window and not frozen | Discard |
FAQ
What temperature should raw chicken be stored at?
Store raw chicken in the refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below, or keep it frozen at 0 degrees F. Put it on the bottom shelf in a leak-proof container.
When does raw chicken become unsafe?
Raw chicken becomes unsafe when it spends too long above 40 degrees F. Discard it if it was left out more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour above 90 degrees F.
How long can raw chicken stay in the fridge?
FoodSafety.gov lists fresh raw chicken pieces and whole chicken at 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator.
What temperature should chicken be cooked to?
Cook chicken to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F, measured with a food thermometer in the thickest part.
Should you wash raw chicken before storing or cooking?
No. USDA advises not washing raw poultry because rinsing can spread bacteria to the sink, counter, and nearby foods.