How long is vacuum sealed raw chicken safe in the fridge? How long does vacuum sealed chicken last in the fridge? Generally, vacuum sealed raw chicken stays safe in the fridge for about 7-10 days, sometimes up to two weeks, while regular packaged chicken is only safe for 1-2 days. Vacuum sealing removes most of the air, which greatly slows down the germs that spoil food and cause it to go bad quickly. This means you get a much longer shelf life for your chicken when it’s vacuum sealed and kept cold.
Image Source: www.foodsaver.com
Interpreting Vacuum Sealing
Vacuum sealing is a simple idea. It means taking almost all the air out of a bag or container. Think of it like putting your food in a really tight space with no room for air to move. Why do we do this?
How Air Affects Food
Air has oxygen. Oxygen is something many tiny living things need to grow. These tiny things include bacteria and molds that make food spoil. They also cause food to lose its color, taste, and texture.
When you take the air away, you take away most of the oxygen. This makes it much harder for these tiny spoiler germs to grow fast.
Slowing Down Spoilage
Without oxygen, the main germs that cause quick spoilage of chicken can’t multiply as fast. This is the big win for vacuum sealing. It doesn’t stop germs completely. Some types of germs don’t need oxygen. But it slows down the most common ones that turn chicken slimy and smelly in just a few days.
This is why vacuum sealed chicken vs regular packaging fridge life is so different. Chicken in a regular tray with plastic wrap still has air inside the package. This air lets spoilage germs have a party. Vacuum sealing kicks most of the party guests out, making things quieter for your chicken.
More Than Just Germs
Taking air away also helps keep moisture in the food. It prevents freezer burn if you plan to freeze it later. It helps keep the fresh taste and texture for longer. It basically puts the chicken in a kind of sleep mode for spoilage.
Shelf Life Facts for Vacuum Sealed Chicken
So, how long can you keep vacuum sealed chicken cold? The shelf life vacuum sealed chicken fridge depends on if it’s raw or cooked.
Raw Vacuum Sealed Chicken
For raw chicken that is vacuum sealed, you can usually keep it in the fridge for about 7 to 10 days. Sometimes it can last up to 14 days. This is a big jump from the usual 1 to 2 days for chicken in regular packaging.
This longer time is because the air is gone. The main spoilage bacteria that make raw meat go bad fast need oxygen. Without it, they grow much slower.
So, the vacuum packed chicken storage time refrigerator is much longer than you might expect if you only buy chicken in regular trays. It gives you more time to use the chicken after you buy it or seal it yourself.
Cooked Vacuum Sealed Chicken
Cooked chicken lasts longer than raw chicken in general. When you cook chicken, you kill many germs that were there when it was raw.
If you cook chicken and then vacuum seal it quickly and correctly, you can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
Why less time than raw? Cooked food can still get spoiled by other types of germs that might get on it after cooking. Also, cooking changes the food, and some germs that don’t need oxygen can still grow slowly even in the cold.
So, for cooked chicken, vacuum sealing helps, but not as dramatically as with raw chicken when it comes to fridge time. It still keeps it fresher than just putting it in a regular container, but the safe fridge time is shorter than raw vacuum sealed chicken.
Let’s put this in a simple table:
| Chicken Type | Packaging Type | Typical Fridge Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Chicken | Regular Tray/Wrap | 1-2 days |
| Raw Chicken | Vacuum Sealed | 7-14 days |
| Cooked Chicken | Regular Container | 3-4 days |
| Cooked Chicken | Vacuum Sealed | 3-4 days |
Note: These are general guides. Actual times can vary based on many things.
About Expiration Dates
You might look for a vacuum seal chicken expiration date fridge when you buy it. Commercially vacuum packed meat from a store might have a “Use By” or “Sell By” date. Pay attention to these.
However, if you vacuum seal chicken at home, there won’t be a printed date. You need to remember when you sealed it. Writing the date on the bag with a marker is a really good idea. Then you can track the shelf life vacuum sealed chicken fridge based on when it was sealed.
Do not just trust the seal. Even if it looks fine, time matters. The recommended storage time is based on safety, not just freshness.
Things That Change How Long It Lasts
The times we talked about are guides. The real time your vacuum sealed chicken lasts can change based on several things.
Starting Point of the Chicken
Was the chicken super fresh when you sealed it? Or was it already a couple of days old in the fridge?
If you vacuum seal chicken that is already close to going bad, sealing it won’t make it last the full 7-14 days. It slows down spoilage, but it doesn’t bring food back to life or stop germs that are already widespread.
Always vacuum seal the freshest chicken you can. This gives you the longest possible shelf life.
How it Was Handled Before Sealing
How was the chicken handled before you put it in the bag?
Was it kept cold the whole time?
Did it sit on the counter for a while?
Did you touch it with dirty hands or tools?
Any time chicken is not kept cold, or if it gets touched by things with germs, it can start spoiling faster. Even vacuum sealing won’t fully fix bad handling before sealing. Cleanliness and keeping it cold before sealing are key steps.
How Well You Sealed It
Did your vacuum sealer make a perfect seal? Is there any air left in the bag?
If the bag isn’t sealed perfectly, or if there’s a tiny leak you can’t see, air can slowly get back in. This lets the spoilage germs start growing faster again.
A good seal means the bag is tight against the food, and there’s no air pocket inside. If your seal looks puffy or loose, it might not last as long.
The Coldness of Your Fridge
The temperature inside your fridge is super important for storing vacuum sealed chicken in refrigerator. Food safety experts say your fridge should be kept at or below 40°F (4°C).
This is the optimal temperature for storing vacuum sealed chicken fridge. If your fridge is warmer than this, germs can grow faster, even in a vacuum sealed bag.
Know your fridge temperature. Many fridges have a number dial, but that doesn’t always mean the right temperature. Using a fridge thermometer is a smart move to check the actual temperature.
Fridge Temperature Staying Steady
Does your fridge temperature go up and down a lot? This can happen if you open the door often, or if the fridge is too full, or if there’s a problem with the fridge.
When food warms up, even a little, it gives germs a chance to grow. Keeping a steady, cold temperature is better than one that swings up and down.
So, to get the best refrigerator shelf life of vacuum packed poultry, start with fresh chicken, handle it cleanly, seal it well, and keep your fridge at the right cold temperature without big changes.
Keeping Food Safe
Even with vacuum sealing, food safety of vacuum sealed chicken refrigerated is super important. Vacuum sealing helps against the usual spoilage germs that need oxygen. But there are other types of germs to think about.
Germs That Don’t Need Oxygen
Some bad bacteria can grow even when there is no oxygen. The most serious one is called Clostridium botulinum. This germ makes a dangerous poison that causes a very serious sickness called botulism.
These germs are usually found in soil and dust. They can be on raw food. They don’t grow much when oxygen is around. But in a low-oxygen place like a vacuum sealed bag, they can grow if the conditions are right.
The most important condition that lets these germs grow is temperature. They grow best in warmer temperatures, like room temperature or even slightly warmer fridge temperatures (above 40°F or 4°C).
Why Cold is Your Friend
Keeping your fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder is your best protection against Clostridium botulinum growing in vacuum sealed foods like chicken. At this cold temperature, these germs cannot make the dangerous poison.
This is why the optimal temperature for storing vacuum sealed chicken fridge is so critical. It’s not just about slowing down spoilage; it’s about preventing the growth of dangerous germs that don’t need air.
Rules for Safety
- Always keep vacuum sealed raw chicken in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Never leave vacuum sealed meats sitting out at room temperature. The lack of air combined with warmer temperatures is a risk.
- If you take the vacuum sealed chicken out of the fridge, use it right away or put it back quickly.
- Thaw frozen vacuum sealed chicken safely in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Look closely at the chicken before you cook it, even if it was sealed.
Following these simple rules helps make sure the food safety of vacuum sealed chicken refrigerated is maintained. Vacuum sealing is a great tool, but it must be used with safe handling and proper cold storage.
Spotting Trouble
How can you tell if your vacuum sealed chicken has gone bad, even if it’s within the typical timeframe? You need to look for signs of spoilage vacuum sealed chicken fridge.
Vacuum sealing changes how chicken spoils compared to regular packaging. It won’t get slimy and smelly quite as fast on the outside. But there are still signs to watch for.
Puffy Bag
This is a big red flag. If your vacuum sealed bag looks like it’s puffing up with air, that’s bad news.
The puffiness is caused by gases made by bacteria growing inside the bag. Even though you took the air out, some bacteria that don’t need oxygen might be growing and releasing gas.
This is a strong sign that the chicken is spoiled and might be unsafe. Do not open it to smell it. Just get rid of it safely.
Bad Smell
When you open the vacuum sealed bag, give it a quick sniff. Fresh chicken has a very mild smell, or no smell at all.
Spoiled chicken often has a strong, unpleasant smell. It might smell sour, gamey, or just plain bad.
Because the seal keeps smells in, you won’t smell it until you open the bag. If it smells bad, do not use it.
Color Changes
Fresh raw chicken is usually pinkish. As it spoils, it can turn a grayish or dull color. Sometimes it might have greenish patches.
Even through the plastic, you might be able to see some color changes. Once opened, check the color carefully. If it’s not a healthy pinkish color, it might be bad.
Slimy Feel
After opening the bag, if you touch the chicken (wash your hands well before and after!), it should feel moist but not slimy.
Spoiled chicken often develops a slick or slimy coating on the surface. This is caused by bacterial growth.
If it feels slimy, it’s a clear sign of spoilage.
Exceeding Safe Time
Even without these other signs, if the vacuum sealed raw chicken has been in your fridge for much longer than 10-14 days, it’s best to not risk it. The recommended refrigerator shelf life of vacuum packed poultry is there for a reason.
When in doubt, throw it out. It’s not worth getting sick. Checking for signs of spoilage vacuum sealed chicken fridge is important, but so is knowing the safe time limit.
Best Ways to Store Vacuum Sealed Chicken
Once you have your chicken vacuum sealed, where should you put it in the fridge? And how should you keep the fridge itself? Proper storage helps make sure you get the full shelf life vacuum sealed chicken fridge offers.
The Coldest Spot
Your fridge isn’t the same temperature everywhere. The coldest parts are usually the back of the bottom shelf. This is the best place for storing vacuum sealed chicken in refrigerator.
Avoid putting meat in the door shelves. The temperature there changes the most every time you open the door.
Keep the vacuum sealed packages towards the back where it stays coldest and the temperature is most steady.
Use a Tray or Plate
Even though it’s sealed, it’s a good idea to place the vacuum sealed chicken on a plate or in a tray. This catches any drips just in case the seal breaks or the bag gets a small hole. It keeps your fridge clean and prevents raw meat juices from getting on other food.
Keep the Fridge Cold Enough
Again, make sure your fridge is at 40°F (4°C) or colder. Use a thermometer to check. Adjust your fridge settings if needed.
Don’t overload the fridge. Packing it too full can stop the cold air from moving around. This can create warm spots, which are bad for all your food, including vacuum sealed chicken.
Don’t Leave it Out
When you take the vacuum sealed chicken out to cook it, or just to move things around, don’t leave it sitting on the counter for long. Put it back in the fridge as soon as possible. Time spent at room temperature reduces its safe shelf life.
Storing vacuum sealed chicken in refrigerator correctly means keeping it cold, keeping it clean, and knowing where the coldest spots are.
Beyond Just the Fridge
Vacuum sealing is also great if you want to store chicken for a very long time. While we are talking about the fridge here, it’s worth noting that vacuum sealed chicken lasts much, much longer in the freezer.
Freezing Vacuum Sealed Chicken
In a regular freezer bag, chicken might last 6-9 months. When you vacuum seal chicken before freezing, it can last for 1-2 years or even longer.
Vacuum sealing prevents freezer burn, which is when air dries out parts of the food, making it tough and flavorless. By removing the air, you protect the chicken from this damage.
So, if you vacuum seal chicken and don’t plan to use it within the fridge timeframe (7-14 days), put it in the freezer. This is the best way to store large amounts or save chicken for future use.
Thawing Safely
When you take vacuum sealed chicken out of the freezer, thaw it safely. The best way is to put the frozen vacuum sealed package in the fridge. It will take a day or two to thaw depending on the size.
Do not thaw vacuum sealed meat at room temperature. Remember the Clostridium botulinum risk? That germ can grow and make poison in low-oxygen conditions at warmer temperatures. Thawing in the fridge keeps it cold enough to be safe.
You can also thaw vacuum sealed chicken under cold running water or in the microwave, but you should cook it immediately after using these methods. Thawing in the fridge is the safest and easiest way for vacuum sealed items.
Refrigerator Shelf Life Insights
Let’s look a bit closer at the refrigerator shelf life of vacuum packed poultry. We know it’s longer, but are there other things to know?
Commercial vs. Home Sealing
The shelf life of commercially vacuum packed chicken might sometimes differ slightly from chicken you seal at home.
- Commercial: Processed under very strict hygiene rules. Often sealed very quickly after processing. The equipment is professional grade. Sometimes they might use gases along with vacuum sealing to further extend life, but this is less common for fresh raw meat intended for the fridge.
- Home: Depends heavily on your own hygiene, how fresh the chicken is when you buy it, how quickly you get it home and sealed, and the quality of your vacuum sealer.
While home vacuum sealing significantly extends life compared to regular home storage, commercially sealed chicken might sometimes have a slightly longer stated shelf life on the package if processed optimally. Always check the “Use By” date on store-bought vacuum sealed chicken.
Different Cuts and Types
Does the type of chicken part matter for vacuum packed chicken storage time refrigerator? Not really, as long as it’s raw and vacuum sealed. A whole chicken, breasts, thighs, or wings should all have a similar shelf life of 7-14 days when vacuum sealed and kept cold.
What about ground chicken? Ground meat has more surface area exposed to air and processing, which means more places for bacteria to be present. While vacuum sealing ground chicken will extend its life compared to regular packaging, it might be safer to aim for the lower end of the 7-10 day range, just to be extra cautious. Food safety guidelines often recommend shorter storage times for ground meats in general.
What if the Seal Breaks?
If your vacuum sealed chicken loses its seal in the fridge (the bag is no longer tight and air has gotten in), treat it like regular chicken. It is now only safe for 1-2 more days, assuming it hasn’t already developed signs of spoilage. If it’s been in the fridge for several days vacuum sealed before the seal broke, it’s best to use it immediately or discard it if unsure.
Checking the Vacuum Seal
Before you store or use vacuum sealed chicken, quickly check the bag. Is it still tight around the chicken? Does it feel like there’s no air inside? If yes, the seal is likely good. If it feels loose, or you can push air around inside, the seal might be broken or wasn’t done correctly.
This check is a simple but important step in ensuring the refrigerator shelf life of vacuum packed poultry you expect is actually possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about vacuum sealed chicken in the fridge.
h5 Can I store vacuum sealed chicken at room temperature?
No, absolutely not. Even vacuum sealed, raw chicken must be kept cold in the fridge (40°F/4°C or below). Leaving it at room temperature creates a dangerous environment where harmful bacteria, including those that don’t need oxygen, can grow quickly and produce toxins.
h5 How long does vacuum sealed cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Vacuum sealed cooked chicken usually lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Cooking kills many germs, but others can still grow slowly in the cold. Vacuum sealing helps keep quality but doesn’t extend the safe fridge time for cooked chicken as much as it does for raw.
h5 Can I refreeze vacuum sealed chicken after thawing it in the fridge?
Yes, you can refreeze vacuum sealed chicken if you thawed it safely in the fridge and it hasn’t been out of the fridge for long. However, the quality might be slightly lower due to the second freezing process. If you thawed it using other methods (like cold water or microwave), you should cook it before refreezing.
h5 How can I be sure my fridge is cold enough for vacuum sealed chicken?
The best way is to buy a simple appliance thermometer and keep it in your fridge. Check it regularly to make sure the temperature stays at or below 40°F (4°C).
h5 Is the ‘expiration date’ different for vacuum sealed chicken?
Commercially vacuum sealed chicken will have a “Use By” or “Sell By” date set by the producer. For home-sealed chicken, there isn’t an official date. You need to rely on the recommended safe storage times (7-14 days for raw) and the date you sealed it. Write the date on the bag!
h5 My vacuum sealed chicken bag is puffed up. Is it still safe?
No. A puffed-up vacuum sealed bag means bacteria are growing inside and producing gas. This is a strong sign of spoilage and potential danger. Do not open it; discard it safely.
h5 Does washing the chicken before vacuum sealing help it last longer?
Washing raw chicken is generally not recommended. It can spread germs around your sink and kitchen surfaces. Proper vacuum sealing and keeping it cold are more effective steps for extending shelf life safely.
h5 Can I reuse vacuum sealer bags?
It’s best to use new bags each time for food safety, especially for raw meat. Reusing bags can spread germs.
In Closing
Vacuum sealing is a fantastic way to make chicken last much longer in the fridge than it would in its usual packaging. By removing air, you greatly slow down the germs that cause quick spoilage. Raw vacuum sealed chicken can stay safe for 7 to 14 days when kept properly cold.
However, vacuum sealing does not stop all germs. Keeping your fridge at the right cold temperature (40°F or 4°C or below) is absolutely key to prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria that can thrive in low-oxygen environments.
Always check for signs of spoilage before using the chicken, such as a puffy bag, bad smell, strange color, or slimy feel. When in doubt, it’s always safest to throw it out. By using vacuum sealing along with smart handling and cold storage, you can safely extend the life of your chicken and reduce waste.