Most Southerners love good homemade chicken salad, whether on a sandwich, atop a salad, or on the end of a buttery cracker. It's tempting to stir up a big batch so that we can enjoy leftovers for a few days.
But how long is it safe to keep chicken salad on hand? The short answer is to store chicken salad in a sealed container in the fridge or cooler for no more than four days. Here's why.
How Long Does Chicken Salad Last?
Given that the main ingredient in chicken salad is cooked chicken, we can turn to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's recommendation to use cooked chicken within three to four days and to keep it at 40°F or below. FoodSafety.gov, run by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, says the same thing.
To keep track of time, you should store homemade chicken salad in a sealed container with the date it was made marked clearly on top, and heed the freshness date on store-bought chicken salad, too.
We must blame two categories of bad bacteria when things go bad for chicken salad, not mayonnaise or luck. Spoilage bacteria cause food to deteriorate and develop unpleasant odors, tastes, and textures. Pathogenic bacteria cause foodborne illness, what most of us call food poisoning, but they generally don't affect the taste, smell, or appearance of the contaminated food. That's why we can never rely on tasting or sniffing chicken salad to determine its safety. We're taking a potentially serious risk if we guess wrong. When in doubt, throw it out.
Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
How to Store Chicken Salad
Bad bacteria can grow rapidly in the "Danger Zone," a temperature range between 40°F and 140°F, so always transport and store chicken salad in the refrigerator or a well-chilled cooler or lunchbox.
Also, don't leave it sitting out at room temperature for longer than two hours, and even less when outdoors on a hot day or in direct sun. The clock starts ticking when the container comes out of the fridge or cooler, including time it spends in a grocery cart and the ride home from the store.
Some spoilage bacteria can grow at cold temps too, so even when carefully stored and refrigerated, toss that chicken salad after four days.
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
Although 32°F is well below the 40°F safety threshold, chicken salad isn't a good candidate for storing in the freezer. It usually turns watery and loses its texture when thawed, so although it might be safe to eat, it's no longer enjoyable.
It's tempting to stir up a big batch so that we can enjoy leftovers for a few days. But how long is it safe to keep chicken salad on hand? The short answer is to store chicken salad in a sealed container in the fridge or cooler for no more than four days.
Generally, chicken salad will only last three to five days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). You must store the chicken salad in the fridge to maintain its freshness.
Homemade chicken salad typically lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. What kitchen essentials do I need for chicken salad? All you need are a large mixing bowl, a fork, and a spoon.
Chicken salad typically keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or change in texture, before consuming.
USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.
If it looks and smells fine, and you've stored it properly, it should be safe to eat. However, use your best judgment and discard it if you have any doubts. According to food safety guidelines, cooked chicken that has been in the refrigerator for six days should not be consumed.
Do the greens themselves look pale, crushed, wilted or slimy? These are all signs that something is wrong. Don't forget to check the expiration date, too. Buy greens as far out as possible from that date.
How long will chicken salad keep in the refrigerator? Homemade chicken salad made with fresh-cooked chicken typically lasts for 3 to 4 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
If kept frozen continuously, it will be safe indefinitely. Chicken may be frozen in its original packaging or repackaged. If freezing longer than two months, over wrap the porous store plastic packages with airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper, or place the package inside a freezer bag.
How Long Does The Costco Chicken Salad Last? It should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within a few days of opening. Follow the “best before” date that will be on the label of the package you purchase. Consume the contents before that expiry date.
Although chicken salad can last three or four days in the fridge, you want to freeze it before it's three days old. “Place chicken salad in a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before placing it in the freezer,” Hunt says. If freezing leftover chicken salad with mayo, keep your quality expectations low.
According to the USDA, as long as the salad has been stored properly, it can be consumed up to a week after the use-by or expiration date on the package. But this doesn't mean that the salad will be in its best condition after this time frame.
Chicken salad will last up to four days in the fridge. It's perfect for meal prepping, because you can make a big batch at the beginning of the week and have it for lunch for several days! Store it in an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Is it okay to eat chicken salad after 5 days? It is recommended that you stop eating the food after 5 days. The fridge only inhibits the growth of bacteria, and 5 days is all it takes for it to reach the point where it is dangerous to eat.
Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771
Phone: +337636892828
Job: Lead Hospitality Designer
Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching
Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
