Can Chicken Strips Go Bad : What You MUST Know

Chicken strips are a beloved comfort food, often found in homes, restaurants, and fast food spots. Whether it’s the crispy, golden breading on the outside or the tender, juicy chicken on the inside, these bites are satisfying in so many ways. But, as with all perishable food, it’s crucial to understand how to handle chicken strips properly to ensure they’re safe to eat and still taste great.

Just like any other meat-based dish, chicken strips do have a shelf life. The problem is, many of us don’t always know how long they last, how to store them correctly, or what to do when they start to go bad. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the longevity of chicken strips, signs of spoilage, and best practices for storage so that you can enjoy these tasty treats without any worries.

Can Chicken Strips Go Bad?

Absolutely, chicken strips can go bad. They’re made from chicken, which is a highly perishable protein, and when left in the wrong conditions, it can spoil quickly. Even if you’ve cooked the chicken strips yourself or bought them from a restaurant, they’re still vulnerable to bacteria growth and degradation over time. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Temperature sensitivity: Like all poultry, chicken strips need to be handled with care when it comes to temperature. The ’danger zone’ for bacteria growth is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C). If your chicken strips are left at room temperature for too long, they can spoil.
• Moisture: Even though they’re breaded or fried, moisture can still linger in chicken strips, and moisture + warmth = a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Storage time: If chicken strips are left in the fridge or freezer for too long, they will inevitably go bad. The longer they stay in storage, the higher the risk of spoilage, even in cold conditions.

So yes, even chicken strips can fall victim to the same fate as any other piece of chicken, and it’s important to keep an eye on how long they’ve been sitting around.

Shelf Life For Chicken Strips

When it comes to determining how long chicken strips last, there are a few key factors to consider. These include whether the chicken strips are freshly made, store-bought, or frozen.

1. Freshly Made Chicken Strips

   • Refrigerated (cooked): If you’ve just cooked up some chicken strips at home, they will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The key is to get them in the fridge as soon as possible after cooking-within 2 hours ideally.
   • Frozen (cooked): If you’re looking to extend the shelf life, you can freeze your chicken strips. They can last in the freezer for about 3-4 months before quality starts to degrade. While they won’t necessarily go bad immediately, the breading may get soggy or the chicken might dry out after being frozen for too long.

2. Store-Bought Chicken Strips

   • Unopened: Store-bought frozen chicken strips typically last much longer in the freezer, often 6-12 months from the date of purchase, depending on the brand and packaging.
   • Opened: Once the package is opened, however, they’re best consumed within 3-4 months if stored properly in the freezer. If you refrigerate them after opening, they last about 2-3 days.

3. Fast Food/Takeout Chicken Strips

   • These tend to be the least shelf-stable. After being purchased and consumed, the leftover strips should be stored in the fridge within 2 hours of eating. They’ll last about 2-3 days when refrigerated but should be consumed as quickly as possible to maintain flavor and texture.

Common Signs Of Spoilage

Knowing when chicken strips have gone bad is essential for your health and safety. While it’s never great to take a gamble on food safety, there are a few signs you can look for that will tell you if those crispy strips are no longer safe to eat.

• Off Smell: A sour, ammonia-like, or rotten odor is one of the most prominent signs that chicken strips have gone bad. Fresh chicken, even when cooked, should smell neutral or faintly savory. Any sharp or unpleasant smell is an indication of spoilage.
• Discoloration: Chicken strips that have turned a greyish or greenish color are showing signs of oxidation or bacterial growth. Freshly cooked chicken should have a nice, golden brown color on the outside (due to the breading or frying), and the interior should be a moist white.
• Slimy Texture: If you touch the chicken strips and notice they’re slimy, it’s a clear sign that bacteria have started to break down the protein. It’s best to throw these away as this slime is a breeding ground for pathogens.
• Mold: This one’s pretty obvious. Any sign of mold on your chicken strips means they should be discarded immediately. Mold can grow when food is stored too long, and it’s a definite indication that bacteria have colonized the meat.
• Off Taste: If you’ve checked for smell, color, and texture and everything seems fine, but the chicken tastes strange or off, it’s better to be safe than sorry and discard it. The taste could be a sign that spoilage has occurred, even if other visual cues haven’t shown up.

How To Store Chicken Strips?

Storing chicken strips properly can extend their shelf life, keep them safe to eat, and ensure they remain delicious. Here are some helpful guidelines:

Storing Cooked Chicken Strips In The Fridge

• Cool Down: Before storing cooked chicken strips, make sure they’ve cooled down to room temperature. If you try to store hot chicken, the heat can cause moisture to build up inside the container, which can lead to sogginess and faster spoilage.
• Airtight Container: Place the chicken strips in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This minimizes exposure to air, which helps preserve texture and flavor.
• Labeling: If you tend to store a lot of food, consider labeling your containers with the date you stored the chicken strips, so you know when to consume them.

Freezing Chicken Strips

• Flash Freezing: If you’re planning on freezing your chicken strips, try flash freezing them first. Lay the strips flat on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 1-2 hours before transferring them into a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents them from sticking together and makes it easier to grab individual pieces later.
• Freezer Bags: Use freezer-safe bags to store your chicken strips and remove as much air as possible. You can also vacuum-seal the strips for the best protection against freezer burn.
• Avoid Refreezing: Once chicken strips are thawed, it’s best to consume them within a day or two. Refreezing them could impact their texture and lead to faster spoilage.

Expert Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Chicken Strips

• Don’t Overcook: If you plan to store or freeze chicken strips, avoid overcooking them. Overcooked chicken tends to dry out quickly, losing both texture and flavor when reheated.
• Reheat Properly: When you reheat chicken strips, do so at a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that any bacteria present are killed off. You can reheat them in the oven for the best results (avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy).
• Use Leftover Chicken Strips in Recipes: If you have leftover chicken strips that are starting to approach their expiration, consider using them in recipes like chicken salads, wraps, or even soups to prevent waste.

FAQs

How Long Can Chicken Strips Stay Good In The Fridge?

Cooked chicken strips can generally be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It’s important to keep them in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and bacteria.

Can Frozen Chicken Strips Go Bad?

Yes, frozen chicken strips can go bad. While freezing extends their shelf life, they typically last for 4 to 6 months in the freezer. After this period, their quality may degrade, resulting in freezer burn or changes in texture.

How Can I Tell If Chicken Strips Have Gone Bad?

If chicken strips have an off smell, a slimy texture, or discoloration (e.g., green or gray), they are likely spoiled and should be discarded. Always check the expiration date if the chicken is pre-packaged.

Can I Eat Chicken Strips Past The Expiration Date?

It’s not recommended to eat chicken strips past their expiration date, as the risk of foodborne illness increases. Always check for signs of spoilage like bad odor, discoloration, or an unusual texture.

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

Yes, chicken strips can go bad if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in cooked chicken at temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), leading to foodborne illnesses.

How Can I Store Cooked Chicken Strips To Make Them Last Longer?

To extend the shelf life of cooked chicken strips, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for longer preservation. Be sure to let them cool down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

Can Chicken Strips Be Stored In A Vacuum-sealed Bag?

Yes, vacuum-sealing chicken strips is an excellent way to preserve them. Vacuum-sealed bags remove air, reducing the risk of bacteria growth and extending the shelf life, whether in the fridge or freezer.

What Is The Best Way To Reheat Chicken Strips Without Making Them Dry?

The best way to reheat chicken strips is to use an oven or air fryer, as these methods can help retain moisture. For added moisture, you can wrap them in foil or lightly brush with oil before reheating.

Can Chicken Strips Go Bad If They Have Been Reheated Multiple Times?

Reheating chicken strips multiple times can increase the risk of spoilage and bacteria growth. It’s best to only reheat chicken once, and make sure it’s heated thoroughly to at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria.

Are There Any Health Risks If I Eat Spoiled Chicken Strips?

Yes, eating spoiled chicken strips can lead to foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella or campylobacter infection. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Always ensure chicken is stored and handled properly to avoid these risks.