Have you ever suspected a package of chicken has gone bad, but weren’t sure if your suspicions were correct? As the primary source of protein in many diets, it is important to ensure that meals prepared with chicken are safe to consume. Knowing how to tell if chicken is bad can help you properly assess its condition before using it for cooking and consumption. In this blog post, we will provide tips on what signs to look out for when assessing whether or not chicken has spoiled.
Contents
- 1 How To Tell If Chicken Is Bad?
- 2 How To Avoid Chicken Going Bad?
- 3 How Long Is Chicken Good In The Fridge?
- 4 How Long Is Chicken Good After Sell By Date?
- 5 How Long Does Chicken Last In The Freezer?
- 6 Tips To Store Chicken To Last Longer
- 7 Conclusion: How To Tell If Chicken Is Bad?
- 8 FAQ: Chicken Is Bad
- 8.1 How can you tell if raw chicken is spoiled?
- 8.2 What does bad chicken smell like?
- 8.3 What happens if you cook bad chicken?
- 8.4 How do you know if you had bad chicken?
- 8.5 Is raw chicken OK in the fridge for 7 days?
- 8.6 How do you tell if chicken is bad after cooking it?
- 8.7 Is it OK to cook chicken that smells a little?
- 8.8 Does spoiled chicken taste different?
- 8.9 What to do if you eat a bad chicken?
- 8.10 Will I be OK if I ate bad chicken?
- 8.11 Why is my chicken slimy but no smell?
How To Tell If Chicken Is Bad?
When assessing if chicken has gone bad, there are several key signs to look out for.
How To Tell If Raw Chicken Is Bad?
- Appearance and color – The color and appearance of raw chicken can provide important clues about its freshness. Look for any discoloration on the surface, such as brown or green spots. Additionally, look for slimy residue that may have built up from bacteria growth.
- Smell – A strong smell of ammonia or sulfur is a sure sign that the chicken has gone bad and should not be consumed.
- Expiration date – Always check for the expiration date before consuming raw chicken. If it is past its expiration date, you should avoid eating it as it may have spoiled and could cause food-borne illnesses.
- Texture – Raw chicken should have a firm and slightly slippery texture. If the texture has become slimy or sticky, it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
Watch this video to know how to tell if chicken is bad.
How To Tell If Cooked Chicken Is Bad?
- Appearance color – Cooked chicken should have a golden-brown hue when it is freshly cooked. If the color has changed to gray or green, this is a sign that the chicken has gone bad and should not be eaten.
- Smell – Again, if there is an unpleasant ammonia or sulfur smell present, then these are signs of spoilage.
- Texture – Cooked chicken should have a firm texture, with no sliminess present. If the texture has become mushy or sticky, then it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
- Expiration date – Just as with raw chicken, always check for the expiration date before consuming cooked chicken. Eating expired cooked chicken can cause food-borne illnesses.
By following these tips, you can easily assess whether or not raw chicken is safe to consume. Ultimately, it is important to practice caution when consuming raw chicken and to always check for any signs that it has already gone bad before cooking or consuming it.
How To Avoid Chicken Going Bad?
To ensure that your chicken stays fresh and safe to consume, there are a few key practices you should follow.
First, always check the expiration date before purchasing or consuming raw chicken. Secondly, store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator immediately after purchase. This will keep out any bacteria or moisture that could cause spoilage.
When cooking chicken, always make sure it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that any bacteria on the meat have been killed off and are no longer a risk to consume.
Finally, always store any leftovers in an air-tight container within 2 hours of cooking. If not eaten within this time frame, the chicken should be frozen and consumed within 4 months.
How Long Is Chicken Good In The Fridge?
To ensure that chicken is safe to eat, it should be stored and consumed within 1-2 days of purchase. If you are unable to consume the raw chicken within this time frame, then it can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Knowing how to tell if chicken has gone bad can help you protect against food-borne illnesses due to spoiled chicken. Pay attention to the visual, smell, and texture of raw and cooked chicken alike, as well as always checking for its expiration date before consumption. With these tips in mind, you can rest assured that your meals are safe and healthy.

How Long Is Chicken Good After Sell By Date?
It is important to not confuse the sell by date with the expiration date when storing chicken. While it is best practice to consume chicken before its sell by date, this does not mean that it has gone bad. As long as you store and prepare the chicken correctly, it should still be safe to eat after this time frame if there are no signs of spoilage.
However, it is always best to double check for any signs that the chicken has gone bad before consumption, as well as its expiration date.
Remember that knowing how to tell if chicken is bad can help you protect yourself and your family from food-borne illnesses due to spoiled chicken. Pay attention to the visual, smell and texture of raw and cooked chicken alike, as well as always checking for its expiration date before consumption.
Read on to learn more: how long does it take to boil chicken thighs
How Long Does Chicken Last In The Freezer?
Raw chicken can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. However, it is best practice to consume it within 1-2 days of purchase if possible.
When freezing chicken, always place it in a sealed container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep out excess air and moisture that could cause bacteria growth on the chicken.
It is also important to defrost any frozen chicken before cooking or consuming it. To do this safely, place the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Never thaw chicken at room temperature as this can cause bacteria to spread rapidly.
By following these storage practices, you can ensure that your frozen chicken stays safe and healthy for consumption.
Tips To Store Chicken To Last Longer
To ensure that your chicken lasts as long as possible, follow these tips:
- Always store chicken in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Keep raw and cooked chicken separate to prevent cross contamination.
- Wrap uncooked chicken tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for optimal storage.
- Label the container or packet with a date, so you know when the chicken was stored.
- Discard any chicken that has expired or shows signs of spoilage.
- Do not leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours.
These tips can help ensure that your chicken stays safe and healthy for consumption for longer periods of time.

Conclusion: How To Tell If Chicken Is Bad?
Hopefully, this blog post has provided helpful information on how to tell if chicken is bad. By following these tips and maintaining a mindful eye when assessing the condition of raw chicken, you can ensure that meals prepared with it are safe and enjoyable. Thanks for reading at mollysmtview!
FAQ: Chicken Is Bad
How can you tell if raw chicken is spoiled?
When it comes to fresh raw chicken, color is key. Pink hues are a good sign, especially if the fat parts are white. But if you notice a yellow or gray tint or any strange discoloration, it’s time to toss that bird. And don’t even think about consuming chicken with mold – that’s a definite no-no. Stay safe and keep an eye on the color of your chicken.
What does bad chicken smell like?
The stench that emanates from spoiled chicken is no ordinary odor. It’s an assault on the senses, a repugnant combination of ammonia, rotten eggs, and general pungency. Fresh chicken has a distinct aroma, but it’s nothing like this funky foulness. If your nose detects this unpleasant scent, there’s a high chance that your chicken has gone off.
What happens if you cook bad chicken?
If you’re not sure about the freshness of your chicken, it’s better to err on the side of caution and toss it out. Don’t take any chances with your health by consuming chicken that you think might be past its prime. Consuming bad chicken, even after cooking it properly, can lead to serious illness. So, trust your instincts and avoid any risks by ensuring that your chicken is always fresh and safe to eat.
How do you know if you had bad chicken?
Experiencing an upset stomach can be incredibly unpleasant and disruptive to daily life. Some of the signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal distress include feeling sick to your stomach, vomiting or throwing up, having loose stools or diarrhea (which may be bloody or contain mucus), and suffering from stomach cramps and abdominal pain. Along with these physical discomforts, you may also feel weak and lacking in energy, have a reduced appetite or reluctance to eat, or run a fever with muscle aches.
Is raw chicken OK in the fridge for 7 days?
Don’t let raw chicken take up valuable freezer space! You’ll be pleased to know that your poultry can stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. And if you have leftovers from a delicious chicken recipe, you can store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days without worry. So say goodbye to frozen chicken and hello to the convenience of fresh, chilled poultry.
How do you tell if chicken is bad after cooking it?
According to Katie Tomaschko, a specialist in nutrition, cooked chicken that has passed its prime will exhibit some rather unappetizing signs. You might notice that the chicken has taken on a gray or green hue, making it look less than appetizing. If you were brave enough to take a bite, you would likely find that the texture is softer or slimier than it should be. To make matters worse, the smell of the chicken will be quite unpleasant. In some cases, you might even notice mold or white patches on the chicken, indicating that it has gone bad.
Is it OK to cook chicken that smells a little?
Don’t let your nose be the only one to smell trouble in your chicken dish – be on the lookout for a pungent odor when handling raw chicken. A mild aroma is the hallmark of the kind of fresh chicken that makes even the most questionable cook look like a culinary genius. However, take heed: chicken with a noticeable scent, especially one that’s reminiscent of rotten eggs, could be a recipe for disaster. To stay safe and ensure delicious meals, trust your senses and toss any chicken that smells off.
Does spoiled chicken taste different?
Professional: Take a moment before devouring your chicken to appreciate its flavors. However, if the taste seems unusual or sour, it’s best to spit it out and dispose of it.
What to do if you eat a bad chicken?
In most cases, you can breathe a sigh of relief if you ate undercooked chicken and are now feeling a bit queasy. Generally, your symptoms should clear up on their own without the need for a trip to the doctor’s office. That being said, you don’t want to neglect your hydration if you find yourself frequently running to the bathroom. Sip on fluids to keep yourself feeling replenished and refreshed.
Will I be OK if I ate bad chicken?
Eating your favorite juicy pork or chicken dish may seem tempting, but did you know there’s a risk of food poisoning lurking in that meat? Raw meat can carry harmful bacteria, and eating undercooked meat can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. Don’t brush off these symptoms – if you suspect you’ve fallen ill due to undercooked meat, it’s best to seek medical attention right away. Protect your health and savor your meals fully by ensuring your meat is cooked thoroughly.
Why is my chicken slimy but no smell?
Ensuring that our food is safe to consume is crucial, and sometimes our senses can help us detect if something is not right. While observing for changes in color and smell is important, feeling the texture of our meat can also provide valuable information. For raw chicken, it should feel moist and devoid of any sliminess. If the meat feels sticky or slimy, it’s a sign that it’s no longer suitable for consumption even if it has been washed. So next time you’re preparing your meal, give your meat a quick feel to ensure it’s of the highest quality.

Bobby Kelly is a bartender at Molly Magees, an Irish pub in Mountain View. He’s been working there for two years and has developed a following among the regulars. Bobby is known for his friendly demeanor and great drink specials. He loves interacting with customers and making them feel welcome. When he’s not at work, Bobby enjoys spending time with his friends and family.