Can Chicken Stew Go Bad : What You MUST Know

It’s an easy question to overlook when you’re in the middle of enjoying a cozy bowl, but knowing how to handle leftovers safely is essential. You don’t want to risk eating something that’s spoiled and making yourself sick. In this guide, we’ll dig into how long chicken stew lasts, how to tell if it’s gone bad, and the best ways to store it for future meals. Let’s get into the details.

Can Chicken Stew Go Bad?

Absolutely. Like any other food, chicken stew has a shelf life. The combination of cooked chicken, vegetables, broth, and various seasonings makes it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria if left improperly stored or kept for too long. And let’s not even talk about how quickly bacteria grow when there’s meat involved-especially poultry.

Even though chicken stew might be a dish you prepare in large batches to enjoy for several days, you still need to follow certain safety measures to ensure it doesn’t go bad. If you’ve ever noticed your leftovers starting to smell off or develop an odd taste after a few days, it’s likely because the stew was improperly stored or kept for too long.

Shelf Life For Chicken Stew

Chicken stew, when stored properly, can last quite a bit, but how long exactly depends on various factors. Here’s a breakdown:

• In the Refrigerator: If you store your chicken stew in an airtight container, it will typically last 3-4 days in the fridge. The cooler temperatures help slow down bacterial growth, but it still doesn’t last indefinitely. Make sure the stew is cooled to room temperature before refrigerating it to avoid raising the fridge’s internal temperature and causing bacteria to grow on other foods.
• In the Freezer: Chicken stew freezes quite well. If you’re planning on keeping it for a longer period, freezing is your best option. When stored properly in freezer-safe containers or bags, chicken stew can last 2-3 months without compromising too much in taste or texture. However, its quality will decrease after a few months, especially the vegetables, which may become mushy after thawing.
• At Room Temperature: This is the danger zone for food safety. Leaving chicken stew at room temperature for more than 2 hours can significantly increase the risk of bacterial growth, particularly salmonella, which is commonly associated with poultry. If your stew has been sitting out longer than that, it’s better to be safe and toss it.

Common Signs Of Spoilage

Knowing when chicken stew has gone bad is crucial in preventing foodborne illness. Here are the most common signs to look out for:

• Smell: A sour, rancid, or overly strong odor is often one of the first indicators that your chicken stew has spoiled. Freshly cooked stew will smell savory and appetizing, but once it’s gone bad, it can have a foul or off-putting smell. If you detect any hint of something “off”, it’s time to toss it.
• Appearance: Chicken stew might change color as it ages. The broth may become cloudy, or you might notice a change in the color of the chicken and vegetables. If you see mold or any signs of unusual growth (like strange, slimy textures or fuzz), throw it away immediately.
• Texture: The consistency of the stew can also give you clues. If it feels slimy or excessively thick and gelatinous, that’s a sign that it’s not fresh anymore. Over time, the ingredients can break down, causing the broth to become less liquid and more gelatinous. Also, if the chicken or vegetables are mushy or disintegrating into the broth, it’s best to discard the stew.
• Taste: Finally, if you’re still unsure, give it a quick taste. While we don’t recommend doing this if any of the other signs are present, if you’re still uncertain, a sour or rancid taste is a clear indicator that the stew has gone bad.

How To Store Chicken Stew?

Proper storage is key to keeping your chicken stew safe and fresh for as long as possible. Here are some expert tips on how to store your stew:

• Cool Down Before Storing: Let your chicken stew cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can cause bacteria to grow faster. However, don’t leave it out for more than two hours, as this is when bacteria begin to proliferate.
• Airtight Containers: For both the fridge and the freezer, use airtight containers. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids or plastic containers designed for food storage are great options. They help to minimize exposure to air, which can cause the stew to dry out or develop freezer burn in the freezer.
• Smaller Portions: If you plan to freeze some of your chicken stew, it’s a good idea to portion it out into smaller, individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need and helps prevent the stew from being exposed to air and temperature fluctuations every time you open the container.
• Label & Date: Whether you’re storing chicken stew in the fridge or freezer, make sure to label each container with the date it was made. That way, you’ll easily be able to track how long the stew has been stored and when it should be consumed.

Expert Tips

• Reheat Properly: When reheating chicken stew, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is especially important if you’ve frozen the stew, as frozen food needs to be reheated thoroughly to ensure it’s safe to eat.
• Avoid Reheating Multiple Times: Each time you reheat and cool the stew, it increases the risk of bacterial growth. Try to reheat only the amount you plan to eat and store the rest.
• Use a Food Thermometer: For an extra layer of safety, use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your stew when you store it, and before you eat it. It’s a small step that ensures your meal stays safe from harmful bacteria.

FAQs

Can Chicken Stew Go Bad If Left Out At Room Temperature?

Yes, chicken stew can go bad if left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, leading to foodborne illnesses.

How Long Can Chicken Stew Be Stored In The Refrigerator?

Chicken stew can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to store it in an airtight container to prevent contamination and preserve freshness.

Can Chicken Stew Go Bad After Freezing?

Chicken stew can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. After that, its quality may deteriorate, although it remains safe to eat if stored properly in a sealed container or freezer bag.

What Are Signs That Chicken Stew Has Gone Bad?

Signs that chicken stew has gone bad include a sour or off smell, discolored broth, and mold growth. If the stew appears slimy or if the texture of the chicken changes, it should be discarded.

Can I Eat Chicken Stew If It Smells Slightly Sour But Looks Fine?

If chicken stew smells sour or off, it is not safe to eat, even if it looks fine. The smell is a strong indication that bacteria have started to grow, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

How Should Chicken Stew Be Reheated Safely?

To reheat chicken stew safely, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Reheat it on the stove, in the microwave, or in the oven, but avoid reheating it multiple times.

Can I Still Eat Chicken Stew If It Has Been In The Fridge For 5 Days?

It’s generally not recommended to eat chicken stew that has been in the fridge for more than 3-4 days. After this period, the risk of bacterial growth increases, which could lead to food poisoning.

Does The Type Of Chicken Used Affect How Long Chicken Stew Can Last?

The type of chicken used does not significantly affect how long chicken stew can last. However, using fresh chicken rather than pre-cooked or processed chicken may help extend the shelf life slightly if stored properly.

Can I Tell If Chicken Stew Has Gone Bad By Its Texture?

Yes, if the texture of the chicken or vegetables in the stew becomes slimy or mushy, it could be a sign that the stew has gone bad and should not be eaten.

What Happens If I Eat Chicken Stew That Has Gone Bad?

Eating chicken stew that has gone bad can lead to foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella or campylobacter. Symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s important to avoid consuming food that shows signs of spoilage.