Chicken gizzards, often overlooked in the culinary world, are a versatile and nutritious organ meat. Typically used in a variety of cuisines, they are especially popular in Southern cooking, where they’re deep-fried, stewed, or grilled. But whether you’ve just picked up some chicken gizzards from the butcher or have some leftover from your last cooking adventure, one question inevitably arises: how long will they last?
Knowing how to properly store chicken gizzards and being aware of their shelf life can prevent food waste and ensure that you enjoy them at their freshest, with all their delicious flavor and nutritional benefits intact. So, let’s dive deep into this topic to help you understand everything you need to know.
Can Chicken Gizzards Go Bad?
Yes, chicken gizzards can go bad. Like any meat, they are highly susceptible to bacterial growth if not stored properly. These organ meats are packed with protein and moisture, which create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This means if you’re not careful with how you store them, they can spoil quickly and become unsafe to eat.
The primary culprits of spoilage are:
- Bacteria: Chicken gizzards, being perishable, can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter if not handled properly.
- Enzyme activity: Even in the fridge, enzymes can still be at work, breaking down the proteins in the meat and causing it to spoil.
- Oxidation: When exposed to air for too long, chicken gizzards can begin to oxidize, causing them to lose their color, texture, and taste.
Luckily, understanding the shelf life, proper storage techniques, and how to spot spoilage can save you from an unpleasant experience.
Shelf Life For Chicken Gizzards
The shelf life of chicken gizzards varies based on how they are stored and whether they are raw or cooked. Here’s a general guide to how long they’ll last:
Raw Chicken Gizzards
- Refrigerated: If you store raw gizzards in the fridge at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below, they should last about 1 to 2 days. Freshness is key, so make sure to buy them as close to the date you intend to cook them as possible.
- Frozen: Raw gizzards can be frozen for long-term storage. They can stay in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. Freezing slows bacterial growth, but the texture may suffer slightly after thawing, so be mindful of that if you plan to keep them for an extended period.
Cooked Chicken Gizzards
- Refrigerated: Once cooked, chicken gizzards last a bit longer-3 to 4 days in the fridge. After cooking, make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Frozen: You can freeze cooked gizzards for up to 4 months. When reheating, ensure they’re thoroughly heated to avoid any bacterial contamination.
It’s important to note that these time frames are based on ideal storage conditions. Any fluctuation in temperature, exposure to air, or mishandling during prep can shorten their shelf life.
Common Signs Of Spoilage
Knowing how to identify spoiled chicken gizzards is essential for food safety. Spoiled chicken gizzards can harbor harmful bacteria and are no longer safe to eat. Here are the common signs to look out for:
Smell
- Fresh gizzards should have a clean, neutral scent, reminiscent of fresh poultry.
- If they have a sour, foul, or rancid odor, it’s a clear indication that they’ve gone bad. This is the most obvious sign of spoilage.
Texture
- Fresh gizzards should feel firm to the touch. They should not be slimy or overly soft.
- If you notice slime on the surface, this could be a sign of bacterial growth, and the meat should be discarded.
Color
- Raw chicken gizzards should have a light grayish-pink color. If they turn greenish, brown, or develop discolored patches, they are past their prime and unsafe to eat.
- For cooked gizzards, the same color rules apply. If the meat turns an unappealing shade or shows discoloration, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Sticky Or Oily Residue
- If you notice an oily or sticky residue on the gizzards when you handle them, it’s a sign that they’ve started to degrade and are no longer fresh.
Mold
- Any appearance of mold or fuzzy spots on chicken gizzards, whether raw or cooked, is a definite indication that they’ve gone bad. Mold growth is a clear sign that bacteria and fungi have taken over.
How To Store Chicken Gizzards?
Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of chicken gizzards and ensuring they remain safe to eat. Here’s how to store them correctly:
Raw Chicken Gizzards
- In the Fridge: Keep raw gizzards in their original packaging or place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Make sure your fridge is at or below 40°F (4°C). If you’re not planning to cook them within 1-2 days, freezing them is a better option.
- In the Freezer: If you have surplus gizzards, freeze them as soon as possible to preserve their freshness. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, use them within 3-4 months, but they can technically last longer in the freezer.
Cooked Chicken Gizzards
- In the Fridge: Store cooked gizzards in an airtight container or wrap them securely in plastic wrap and foil. Be sure to refrigerate them promptly-within 2 hours of cooking. Cooked gizzards can stay fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
- In the Freezer: For long-term storage, you can freeze cooked gizzards as well. Just make sure they’re cooled down completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
General Tips
- Always label frozen gizzards with the date you froze them, so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
- For both raw and cooked gizzards, avoid leaving them out at room temperature for extended periods (over 2 hours) as this increases the risk of bacterial growth.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Freezer: When freezing chicken gizzards, make sure they’re in a single layer in the freezer before stacking them. This allows them to freeze faster and more evenly.
- Vacuum Sealing: If you want to maximize freshness, consider vacuum sealing your gizzards before freezing. This removes air and helps prevent freezer burn, preserving both texture and taste.
- Defrost in the Fridge: Always defrost frozen gizzards in the fridge, not on the counter. Thawing them at room temperature can cause uneven thawing, which may allow harmful bacteria to grow.
- Cooked Gizzards Are More Versatile: Once cooked, gizzards are incredibly versatile. You can use leftovers in stews, soups, or as a filling for tacos. Just make sure to eat them within the recommended timeframe to avoid any safety issues.
- Consider Marinating Before Freezing: Marinating gizzards before freezing can infuse extra flavor, and you’ll save time when you’re ready to cook them.
FAQs
Can Chicken Gizzards Go Bad If Left Out At Room Temperature?
Yes, chicken gizzards can go bad if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C), which increases the risk of foodborne illness.
How Can You Tell If Chicken Gizzards Have Gone Bad?
Chicken gizzards that have gone bad will often exhibit a sour smell, slimy texture, or discoloration. If they feel mushy or sticky, or have an off-putting odor, they should not be consumed.
How Long Can Raw Chicken Gizzards Be Stored In The Fridge?
Raw chicken gizzards can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. It is important to store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to minimize exposure to air and contaminants.
How Long Can Cooked Chicken Gizzards Last In The Fridge?
Cooked chicken gizzards can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To ensure they remain safe to eat, they should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped securely.
Can You Freeze Chicken Gizzards To Extend Their Shelf Life?
Yes, chicken gizzards can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Raw chicken gizzards can be stored in the freezer for up to 6-12 months, while cooked gizzards can last for about 4-6 months in the freezer.
What Happens If You Eat Chicken Gizzards That Have Gone Bad?
Eating chicken gizzards that have gone bad can lead to foodborne illness, including symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. It is important to discard gizzards that show signs of spoilage to avoid these risks.
How Should Chicken Gizzards Be Stored To Prevent Spoilage?
To prevent spoilage, raw chicken gizzards should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally below 40°F (4°C). For long-term storage, freezing them in a vacuum-sealed bag or airtight container is recommended.
Can You Eat Chicken Gizzards Past Their Sell-by Date?
While the sell-by date provides a guideline for freshness, chicken gizzards should be evaluated based on their appearance, smell, and texture. If they appear discolored, have an off odor, or a slimy texture, they should be discarded.
Do Cooked Chicken Gizzards Need To Be Refrigerated?
Yes, cooked chicken gizzards should always be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. They should be kept at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Can Chicken Gizzards Go Bad In The Freezer?
While freezing chicken gizzards significantly extends their shelf life, they can still deteriorate in quality over time. After 6-12 months in the freezer, chicken gizzards may suffer from freezer burn, which affects their texture and flavor but does not make them unsafe to eat.
