Today we’re talking about something that most of us wonder about in the kitchen but never really feel sure: How long does raw chicken last in the fridge? You know those moments when you buy chicken from the store, toss it in the fridge, and think, “If I don’t cook this today, will it still be okay tomorrow?” Well, we’re going to find a clear answer to that.

How Many Days Can Raw Chicken Last in the Fridge?

Raw chicken usually lasts 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Yep, that short. Organizations like the USDA also recommend this time frame for food safety.

You might say, “Well, I’ve kept it for 3–4 days and I was fine.” Sure, sometimes that happens, but that’s more about luck. After the 2-day mark, bacteria can start growing fast. If you don’t want to take chances, just stick to the 2-day rule.

Raw chicken last in the fridge

How Long Is Store-Bought Chicken Safe to Eat?

Packaged chicken from the grocery store usually comes with a "best before" or "use by" date.

But these dates aren’t always a guarantee. If you put the chicken in the fridge as soon as you got home, it’s safest to cook it within 1–2 days, even if the label shows a later date. And if the package is already opened, that time becomes even shorter.

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Store bought raw chicken in package

What Affects How Long Raw Chicken Lasts?

Let’s take a look at a few things that affect how long your chicken will stay good in the fridge:

  • Temperature: Is your fridge set below 4°C (40°F)? If not, the shelf life will be shorter.
  • Packaging: If the package is open, that means air is getting in, and bacteria love that.
  • Freshness: If the chicken was already fresh when you bought it, it’ll last longer. But if it had been sitting at the store for a while, that clock was already ticking when you brought it home.
  • Fridge Placement: Chicken should be kept in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the bottom shelf.

Tips for Storing Raw Chicken in the Fridge

When storing chicken in the fridge:

  • Use an airtight container or a sealed bag. This keeps air out and also helps prevent the smell from spreading to other foods.
  • Don’t put it in the vegetable drawer. Store it on the bottom shelf, so any leaking juice won’t drip onto other food, this helps avoid cross-contamination.
  • If you’re not going to cook it soon, freeze it right away. Because we all know how easy it is to think “I’ll cook it tomorrow” and then totally forget.