Frozen chicken - how long is it good for?

[LAJ]

Originally Posted by elitecodex

I did a search and could not find out an answer to my question so Im hoping someone can chime in.

I bought chicken tenderloins and froze them when I returned home (probably a couple of weeks ago - use by date is Feb 21). Took them out on Saturday night so they were ready to cook sunday night. Well, one thing led to another and they are still sitting in my refrigerator - never came out.

How long can chicken be defrosted and still ok to eat? Are they still ok to cook tonight? I was always told to cook within 24 hours of defrosting but Im thinking they may be ok... maybe... Ideas?

Myself, I would not trust chicken that has been defrosting for more than 24 hrs. Chicken is often full of bacteria and I would toss it. I do make chicken dishes for other people, but I refuse to eat it. I dont care where it comes from. Turkey as well. Ive been to chicken and turkey farms and made my decision based on what I saw.

[DaveSoMD]

Originally Posted by elitecodex

I did a search and could not find out an answer to my question so Im hoping someone can chime in.

I bought chicken tenderloins and froze them when I returned home (probably a couple of weeks ago - use by date is Feb 21). Took them out on Saturday night so they were ready to cook sunday night. Well, one thing led to another and they are still sitting in my refrigerator - never came out.

How long can chicken be defrosted and still ok to eat? Are they still ok to cook tonight? I was always told to cook within 24 hours of defrosting but Im thinking they may be ok... maybe... Ideas?

Originally Posted by mozart

The best way to be comfortable is based on the use by date of Feb 21. When you put the chicken in the freezer, the freshness was sort of suspended. What you need to figure out is the difference in days between the date your froze them and the Feb 21st use by date. If it is two days, then you need to use them in two days. If it is 4 days, the they should be good for 4 days.

Do not think that chicken is any different than any other meat product. There is no basis for this. While chick in more likely to be contaminated with Salmonella than other meats, if cooked properly, all bacteria will be killed.

Perfect answer mozart!

And as long as you defrosted them in the refrigerator they should be fine.

[Vik]

ive eaten chicken 3-4 days after defrosting and its been fine, the good thing is you froze it on the day of purchase as well which will give you a bit more time