Shopping for chicken at the grocery store can be a confusing experience. With all the different labels, dates, and shapes of chicken available, it’s hard to know which one is best for you. One particularly confusing label on chicken package is “sell by date” — what does that mean? In this blog post, we’ll explore how long is chicken good after the sell by date, as well as other important safety tips to keep in mind when shopping for fresh poultry.
Contents
- 1 What is a sell-by date?
- 2 How long is chicken good after the sell by date?
- 3 How long is cooked chicken good after its sell-by date?
- 4 Factors that affect the shelf life of chicken sell-by dates
- 5 Is it safe to eat chicken after its sell-by date?
- 6 How to tell if chicken is bad after sell-by date?
- 7 What dangers can happen if you eat chicken after selling by date?
- 8 How to prolong the shelf life of chicken?
- 9 Tips for handling when chickens expire after the date of sale
- 10 Conclusion: How long is chicken good after the sell by date
- 11 FAQ: chicken
- 11.1 Can I eat chicken 4 days after sell by date?
- 11.2 Is raw chicken OK in the fridge for 5 days?
- 11.3 Is it safe to eat chicken after use by date?
- 11.4 Is chicken still good after 7 days?
- 11.5 Is raw chicken OK in the fridge for 7 days?
- 11.6 What does expired chicken smell like?
- 11.7 Can I cook chicken 3 days after use by date?
- 11.8 How long can packaged chicken be in the fridge?
- 11.9 Can I eat chicken 1 week after sell-by date?
- 11.10 How long after sell-by date can you eat chicken?
What is a sell-by date?
The sell-by date on chicken is the date by which the retailer needs to remove it from their shelves. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the chicken has gone bad or isn’t safe to eat; instead, it just means that you need to pay attention to how long you have had the chicken in your refrigerator.

How long is chicken good after the sell by date?
So how long is chicken good after the sell by date? In general, if the chicken is stored properly in your refrigerator, it can remain safe to eat up to two days after its sell-by date. However, this time frame can vary based on how fresh the chicken was when you purchased it. To ensure safety, always check for signs of spoilage — look for changes in color or texture and smell the chicken for an off odor. If any of these signs are present, discard the chicken and buy a new package.
How long is cooked chicken good after its sell-by date?
Cooked chicken will remain safe to eat for up to four days in a refrigerator. It’s best to store cooked chicken in an airtight container and use it within three or four days of cooking. Any leftovers should be discarded after five days.
Factors that affect the shelf life of chicken sell-by dates
The shelf life of chicken is affected by a few different factors, including how it was handled before and after purchase. For example, if the chicken wasn’t kept cold enough in the store or was exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, it should be discarded immediately. Additionally, improper storage in your refrigerator can also cause the chicken to spoil faster.
Is it safe to eat chicken after its sell-by date?
In most cases, it is safe to eat chicken two days after its sell-by date if it has been properly stored in a refrigerator. However, always check for signs of spoilage before eating — discoloration or an off odor are indications that the chicken should not be eaten. It’s also important to store cooked chicken properly and use it within four days of cooking Any leftovers should be discarded after five days.

How to tell if chicken is bad after sell-by date?
When it comes to chicken, the best way to tell if it has gone bad is by looking for signs of spoilage — changes in color or texture and an off odor. If any of these signs are present, discard the chicken and buy a new package. Additionally, you should always store chicken properly and use it within two days of purchase for maximum safety.
What dangers can happen if you eat chicken after selling by date?
If chicken is not stored properly or has been exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, it could be dangerous to eat after the sell-by date. Eating spoiled chicken can lead to food poisoning, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How to prolong the shelf life of chicken?
To prolong the shelf life of chicken, it should be stored properly in a refrigerator set to 40°F (4°C) or lower. Additionally, cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container and used within three or four days of cooking. Any leftovers should be discarded after five days.
Tips for handling when chickens expire after the date of sale
When it comes to handling chicken, the most important thing to remember is that safety should always come first. Pay close attention to the sell-by date and always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Additionally, store chicken properly in a refrigerator set to 40°F (4°C) or lower, and cook any leftovers within four days of purchase. Discard any leftovers after five days.

Conclusion: How long is chicken good after the sell by date
When it comes to chicken, the safest thing to do is always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you purchase fresh chicken, it should be stored in a refrigerator set to 40°F (4°C) or lower and used within two days of purchase. Cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container and used within three or four days of cooking. Any leftovers should be discarded after five days. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of your chicken. Thank for reading how long is chicken good after the sell by date.
FAQ: chicken
Can I eat chicken 4 days after sell by date?
Maximize your poultry’s freshness by cooking or freezing it within 1-2 days of purchase, as suggested by the USDA. Nevertheless, if the chicken doesn’t exhibit any signs of spoilage, it’s still okay to consume it for up to 3 days after the sell-by date. Find out how to identify spoiled chicken for your safety.
Is raw chicken OK in the fridge for 5 days?
Raw chicken can remain in the refrigerator for up to two days, although it is best to use it within one day. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maximize freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container and discard them after five days.
Is it safe to eat chicken after use by date?
It is not safe to eat chicken after the use by date. Use by dates are designed to indicate when a food has reached its peak quality, so eating chicken past this date can lead to food poisoning. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming any expired food.
Is chicken still good after 7 days?
Chicken is not safe eat after 7 days. The USDA recommends using or freezing raw poultry within 1-2 days of purchase, and cooked poultry within three to four days. Any leftovers should be discarded after five days for maximum safety.
Is raw chicken OK in the fridge for 7 days?
Don’t get sick from eating spoiled chicken! Here’s how to tell if it’s still good: raw chicken can only last in the fridge for 1-2 days, while cooked chicken lasts a bit longer at 3-4 days. Always check the “best if used by” date and use your senses to look for telltale signs of spoilage like an off-smell, slimy texture, or discolored appearance. And remember, even if you cook it thoroughly, eating spoiled chicken can cause serious food poisoning. Stay safe and stick to fresh, properly stored chicken.
What does expired chicken smell like?
Expired chicken has an off-smell that is sour, putrid, or gamey. It may also have a slimy texture and/or discolored appearance. If you notice any of these signs in your chicken, do not eat it; discard immediately.
Can I cook chicken 3 days after use by date?
Cooking chicken after the use by date is not recommended. Use by dates are designed to indicate when a food has reached its peak quality, so cooking chicken past this date can lead to food poisoning. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming any expired food.
How long can packaged chicken be in the fridge?
When stored in a refrigerator set to 40°F (4°C) or lower, packaged chicken can last up to two days. Cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container and used within three or four days of cooking. Any leftovers should be discarded after five days for maximum safety.
Can I eat chicken 1 week after sell-by date?
The USDA recommends consuming or freezing raw poultry within 1-2 days of purchase, and cooked poultry within three to four days. Eating chicken more than a week after the sell-by date is not recommended as it can cause food poisoning. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming any expired food.
How long after sell-by date can you eat chicken?
The general rule is that most meats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days after the sell-by date. Cooked meat, however, should be consumed or frozen within three or four days of cooking. Any leftovers should be discarded after five days for maximum safety.

Jeff Herbst is the owner and proprietor of the brewery. The main reason for the brewery is somewhat convoluted and personal. Beer has been an integral part of my family. My grandparents on both sides of my family came from Germany. My mom and dad told me many stories about bathtub home-brews and exploding bottles that occurred frequently throughout their childhood. Of course, I listened to these stories with great interest. So I got interested in home brewing and then came to a conclusion that you need much better control of the process to make a consistently better beer.