Can I Eat 5-Day-Old Chicken?
No, you should not eat chicken that has been cooked and refrigerated for five days.
The USDA recommends eating cooked chicken within 3 to 4 days of cooking. While some sources suggest a slightly longer period might be acceptable, after 5 days, the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness significantly increases.
Why 5-Day-Old Chicken is Risky
-
Bacterial Growth: Bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter can multiply rapidly in cooked chicken left at room temperature or improperly refrigerated. Even refrigeration slows, but doesn't stop, this growth. After 5 days, the bacterial load could be high enough to cause illness.
-
Spoilage: Beyond the bacterial concern, the chicken may start to show signs of spoilage, such as an off-putting odor or slimy texture. These are clear indicators that the chicken is no longer safe to eat.
What to Do with Leftover Chicken
- Proper Storage: Always store cooked chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
- Eat Within 3-4 Days: Adhere to the USDA's guideline of consuming cooked chicken within 3 to 4 days for optimal safety.
- Discard Promptly: If you have any doubts about the freshness or safety of your leftover chicken, discard it. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning.
Several online sources corroborate the 3-4 day recommendation. For instance, Simply Recipes and HubPages articles emphasize the USDA's guideline. Reddit discussions and Quora posts reveal that while some individuals have eaten slightly older chicken without incident, this is not recommended. The consensus is to err on the side of caution and discard chicken after 4 days.
