Can Chicken Patties Go Bad : What You MUST Know

Chicken patties are a go-to for so many reasons-quick to prepare, easy to pair with all kinds of side dishes, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a family meal, or even a BBQ, chicken patties offer a satisfying and tasty option. But like any food, they don’t last forever. If you’ve ever found a half-eaten patty tucked away in the fridge or freezer, or a batch that’s been sitting around for a bit too long, you’ve probably wondered: Can chicken patties go bad?

In this article, we’re going to answer that question and dive deeper into the factors that impact the freshness and safety of your chicken patties. Whether you’ve cooked up a batch from scratch or bought some pre-made ones, knowing how long they last, what spoilage looks like, and how to store them properly can help you avoid a nasty surprise.

Can Chicken Patties Go Bad?

The short answer: yes, chicken patties can go bad. Just like any food item, they have a shelf life. Chicken patties contain poultry, which is highly perishable. And when cooked, they don’t magically become immune to bacteria or spoilage.

Several factors contribute to whether your chicken patties stay fresh or deteriorate faster than you’d like. Some of these factors include:

• Ingredients used: The quality and type of meat used, any preservatives or additives in processed patties, and the spices or other ingredients (like eggs or breadcrumbs) can impact how long they last.
• Storage conditions: Temperature plays a massive role in food safety. Improper storage, such as leaving them out at room temperature for too long, can cause bacteria to grow rapidly.
• Preparation method: Homemade patties might not last as long as those that are commercially made and packed with preservatives.

So, yes-chicken patties absolutely can go bad, but proper care can extend their shelf life.

Shelf Life For Chicken Patties

The shelf life of chicken patties is determined by various factors: whether they’re cooked or uncooked, how they’re stored, and their original packaging. Here’s a breakdown:

• Uncooked Chicken Patties

  These raw patties, whether homemade or store-bought, should be stored in the fridge or freezer.

  • In the fridge: 1-2 days
  • In the freezer: Up to 3 months

• Cooked Chicken Patties

  Once you’ve cooked the patties, their shelf life changes.

  • In the fridge: 3-4 days (it’s crucial to cool them properly before storing to prevent bacteria growth)
  • In the freezer: 2-3 months (if they’re frozen properly)

Even though they may last a few days in the fridge or months in the freezer, it’s important to use your senses (smell, sight, and touch) to determine whether they’re still good to eat.

Common Signs Of Spoilage

Knowing how to identify spoiled chicken patties is key to avoiding foodborne illnesses. Here are the common signs that your patties have gone bad:

• Off Smell

  One of the first signs that chicken patties have spoiled is a sour or unpleasant odor. Fresh cooked chicken should have a neutral, mild aroma, but once it’s gone bad, the smell becomes more pungent, like rotten meat or sour milk.

• Discoloration

  If you notice any green, gray, or discolored patches on the patties, that’s a major red flag. While some browning is normal, especially in cooked patties, significant color change or dark spots are a sign that the patties are no longer safe to eat.

• Slimy Or Sticky Texture

  Chicken patties should feel firm and smooth. If they become slimy or overly sticky to the touch, it means bacteria is growing, and they should be discarded immediately.

• Mold

  If you see any visible mold on the patties, don’t hesitate to throw them away. Mold can grow on both cooked and uncooked patties if they’re improperly stored or kept too long.

• Off Taste

  The taste is often a final indicator that something’s gone wrong. If the patties taste sour or rancid, they’ve likely spoiled. It’s a good idea not to risk your health and toss them instead.

How To Store Chicken Patties?

Proper storage can make all the difference in keeping your chicken patties fresh and safe to eat for longer. Here’s how you can ensure they last as long as possible:

For Raw Chicken Patties

• Refrigerate: If you plan to cook them within a day or two, store raw patties in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents them from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.

• Freeze: To store raw patties for longer periods, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It’s helpful to lay a piece of parchment paper between patties to prevent them from sticking together.

  • Label the container with the date so you know how long they’ve been frozen.

For Cooked Chicken Patties

• Cool Before Storing: Never store hot chicken patties directly in the fridge. Let them cool to room temperature first, but don’t leave them out for more than two hours.
• Refrigerate: Store cooked chicken patties in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap to keep moisture in and air out. If you’re storing multiple patties, a vacuum-seal bag works best.
• Freeze: To keep cooked patties fresh for months, freeze them. Place each patty in a freezer-safe bag, and again, consider using parchment paper between each patty. A vacuum-sealed bag will provide the best protection against freezer burn.

General Tips For Storing

• Don’t leave out at room temperature: Chicken patties should never be left out for more than two hours (or one hour in hotter weather), as this promotes bacterial growth.
• Keep track of expiration dates: Especially with store-bought patties, be sure to keep an eye on the expiration date on the packaging. Even in the fridge, they can spoil after the recommended period.

Expert Tips

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your chicken patties and keeping them fresh longer, consider these expert tips:

• Freezing Freshness: Freeze chicken patties as soon as possible if you’re not going to use them right away. The quicker they hit the freezer, the longer their quality will be maintained.
• Don’t refreeze after cooking: While you can freeze raw patties and cooked patties initially, avoid refreezing cooked patties. Once defrosted and cooked, the texture and taste won’t be as good the second time around.
• Proper thawing: Always thaw frozen patties in the fridge, not on the countertop. Thawing at room temperature can cause bacteria to grow and compromise food safety.
• Vacuum Sealing for Longer Storage: For long-term storage, vacuum-sealing is ideal for both cooked and uncooked chicken patties. It reduces exposure to air, keeping them fresher longer and preventing freezer burn.

FAQs

How Long Can Chicken Patties Be Stored In The Refrigerator?

Chicken patties can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, provided they are cooked and stored properly in an airtight container. After this period, their quality and safety may start to deteriorate.

Can Uncooked Chicken Patties Go Bad?

Yes, uncooked chicken patties can go bad if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours or stored improperly. They should be refrigerated or frozen as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth.

What Are The Signs That Chicken Patties Have Gone Bad?

Signs that chicken patties have gone bad include a foul odor, a slimy texture, discoloration, or the presence of mold. If any of these are present, the chicken patties should be discarded.

Can Chicken Patties Be Frozen To Extend Their Shelf Life?

Yes, chicken patties can be frozen to extend their shelf life. When properly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, they can last for up to 3-4 months in the freezer without significant loss of quality.

How Can You Tell If Frozen Chicken Patties Have Gone Bad?

Frozen chicken patties that have gone bad may have freezer burn, which appears as discolored spots or a dry, leathery texture. Although they are still safe to eat, their flavor and texture may be compromised.

Can Chicken Patties Go Bad After Being Cooked And Left Out?

Yes, cooked chicken patties can go bad if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The USDA advises discarding any poultry left at room temperature for longer than this to avoid foodborne illness.

How Can I Safely Thaw Frozen Chicken Patties?

Frozen chicken patties should be thawed in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Alternatively, they can be defrosted in the microwave or using cold water for quicker results, but they should be cooked immediately after thawing.

Is It Safe To Eat Chicken Patties Past The Expiration Date?

It’s not recommended to eat chicken patties past the expiration date, especially if they’ve been stored improperly. Even if the patties look and smell okay, the risk of foodborne illness increases over time.

What Happens If You Eat Chicken Patties That Have Gone Bad?

Eating chicken patties that have gone bad can lead to foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Can Chicken Patties Go Bad In The Freezer?

While freezing chicken patties prevents spoilage, they can still go bad in the freezer over time due to freezer burn or degradation in texture and flavor. To maintain quality, it is best to consume frozen chicken patties within 3-4 months.