Have you ever been in the grocery store, ready to purchase some chicken for your upcoming meal, only to find yourself worrying about whether it’s still safe to eat? Determining if chicken has gone bad can be a tricky task, as subtle signs may not always be easy to spot. Fortunately, there are several things that you can look for when inspecting chicken that will help indicate whether or not it is still good enough for consumption. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to tell if chicken is bad and provide you with tips on getting the freshest food available.
Contents
- 1 Signs of freshness in chicken – color, texture, smell
- 2 Checking the use-by date on packaging
- 3 How to store chicken properly?
- 4 Good practices for preparing and eating chicken
- 5 Best way how to tell if chicken is bad?
- 6 Safety measures for disposing of spoiled chicken
- 7 Shopping tips for healthier chicken products
- 8 Conclusion: how to tell if chicken is bad
- 9 FAQ: About chicken is bad
- 9.1 How can you tell if raw chicken is spoiled?
- 9.2 Is it OK to cook chicken that smells a little?
- 9.3 What does bad chicken smell like?
- 9.4 What happens if you cook bad chicken?
- 9.5 Can you tell if chicken is bad while cooking?
- 9.6 Does chicken smell when you open the packet?
- 9.7 What does spoiled chicken taste like?
- 9.8 Why does chicken smell bad so quickly?
- 9.9 Can I cook chicken 3 days after use by date?
- 9.10 What should I do if I ate bad chicken?
Signs of freshness in chicken – color, texture, smell
A good quality, freshly-purchased chicken should have a pinkish hue and be moist to the touch. The smell should also be mild and not overly strong or unpleasant. Additionally, any juices that come out when you press into the meat should be clear, not cloudy or discolored.
Another thing to look out for is the packaging or expiration date. When purchasing chicken, make sure it has been properly stored and not left out in temperatures that could cause bacteria to grow. The package should also have an expiration date stamped on it, which will provide you with some indication of how long ago the chicken was processed.
Checking the use-by date on packaging
If you find that a package exceeds its use-by date, it’s likely that the chicken has gone bad and should be avoided.

Finally, make sure to inspect for any signs of spoilage or mold on the surface of the chicken before purchasing. Keeping an eye out for discoloration, slimy texture, or a sour smell are all signs that the chicken is no longer safe to eat.
By being mindful of these tips when purchasing chicken, you can be sure that you’re getting only the freshest and safest food for your meals. Now that you know how to tell if chicken is bad, you can feel confident in making your next grocery trip a successful one.
How to store chicken properly?
Once you’ve purchased fresh chicken, it’s important to store and handle it properly in order to maintain its quality. Generally, raw chicken should be refrigerated at 40°F or below and cooked chicken can last up three to four days in the refrigerator. If you plan on freezing your chicken for later use, make sure to wrap it tightly in airtight packaging. When thawing the chicken, it should be done in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
Storing chicken correctly can help extend its shelf life and ensure that it is safe to eat when you’re ready to prepare your meal.

By following these tips and using your senses to identify any signs of spoilage, you can confidently purchase fresh chicken and enjoy it as part of a healthy and delicious meal.
With proper storage and inspection techniques, you’ll be able how to tell if chicken is bad before purchasing it – allowing you to make the most out of your next grocery trip.
Related: how long to boil chicken legs
Good practices for preparing and eating chicken
In addition to inspecting chicken before purchasing it, there are also some good practices that you can follow when preparing and eating it. To ensure the safety of your food, make sure to properly sanitize any surfaces or utensils that come into contact with raw chicken during preparation. Additionally, always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F and make sure to check the temperature with a food thermometer.
Furthermore, it’s important to never consume raw or undercooked chicken as this can result in foodborne illness. By following these key points, you can make sure that your meals are both delicious and safe for consumption.
By understanding how to tell if chicken is bad and following proper storage, inspection, and cooking techniques, you can confidently enjoy chicken as part of a healthy and delicious meal. With the right practices in place, you’ll be sure to get only the best quality chicken every time.
Best way how to tell if chicken is bad?
The best way how to tell if chicken is bad is by looking for signs of spoilage and using your senses. First, inspect the texture and color of the chicken – it should be firm tand not have any discolorations. Additionally, give the chicken a sniff – it should have a mild smell, not an overly strong or unpleasant odor. Finally, check the packaging for an expiration date or any signs of contamination, such as mold or moisture. If all these points pass inspection, then you can be sure that your chicken is still good to eat.
Remember that proper storage and handling techniques are also key when it comes to keeping chicken fresh and safe for consumption. By keeping these tips in mind, you can be sure to get only the freshest and safest chicken for your meals.
Safety measures for disposing of spoiled chicken
If, after inspecting the chicken, you find that it is not of an acceptable quality – then it should be disposed of immediately. To ensure safety during disposal, make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Additionally, discard any packaging or containers that could have been contaminated by how to tell if chicken is bad.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your kitchen stays free of contamination and that any spoiled chicken is disposed of properly.

By understanding how to tell if chicken is bad and following proper storage, handling, and disposal techniques, you can make sure that the chicken you consume is both safe and delicious.
Keep these steps in mind next time you’re preparing a meal with chicken, and you can be sure to enjoy it safely and confidently.
Shopping tips for healthier chicken products
In addition to understanding the signs of spoilage, there are also some tips you can follow when shopping for chicken. Whenever possible, opt for organic or free-range chicken products as these have higher quality standards and often contain fewer additives. Additionally, looking for packaging that is labeled ‘no added hormones’ or ‘antibiotic free’ can be a good way to find healthier poultry products.
Lastly, pay attention to the ‘sell by’ date on any chicken packages you purchase – this is typically a good indicator of when the product was packaged and how fresh it will be when you consume it.
By following these tips, you can make sure that the chicken you buy for your meals is of the highest quality and safety standards.
Conclusion: how to tell if chicken is bad
In conclusion, by understanding how to tell if chicken is bad and following proper storage, inspection, cooking, and disposal techniques, you can confidently enjoy chicken as part of a healthy and delicious meal. Shopping smarter for healthier products will also help you get the best quality every time. Doing these simple steps will ensure that you can enjoy your meals safely and confidently.
FAQ: About chicken is bad
How can you tell if raw chicken is spoiled?
Fresh, juicy chicken is a staple of many delicious meals, but how do you know when it’s past its prime? One key indicator is its color – a lovely rosy pink is good, but if it starts looking yellow or gray or has strange discolorations, it’s time to say goodbye. Mold is another red flag – if you see any, toss that bird right away. Don’t risk your health for a questionable piece of poultry.
Is it OK to cook chicken that smells a little?
Bad chicken sends a strong message with its rancid aroma. Fresh poultry should have a mild scent – or perhaps no scent at all. But if you detect a sour or sulfur-like odor that reminds you of rotting eggs, it’s time to bid this bird adieu.
What does bad chicken smell like?
Don’t let your nose deceive you when it comes to your poultry. A strong odor emitting from your chicken could be a major red flag. If the smell resembles that of fish, sourness, or even sulfur, like rotten eggs, it’s probably time to say goodbye to your bird. Trust your senses, and make sure your meals stay safe and delicious.
What happens if you cook bad chicken?
Don’t risk it – if your chicken seems off, chuck it out. You never want to take chances with your health, and eating bad chicken can lead to some seriously unpleasant symptoms. Trust your gut and opt for fresh, safe poultry.
Can you tell if chicken is bad while cooking?
If you spot a dull and discolored chicken that seems to have lost its vibrant color, you better steer clear. This is a sign that it might have gone bad and could give you a nasty surprise. In addition to its unappetizing appearance, the texture of the meat becomes softer and slimier, giving you a clear indication that you should trash it. And if all that wasn’t bad enough, it will also emit a pungent and unpleasant odor that will clear even the strongest of sinuses.
Does chicken smell when you open the packet?
Your new purchase may look or smell a little funky right out of the package, but don’t freak out. This is completely normal. Instead, take a few minutes to let it air out in the fridge for half an hour. By the end of this short break, any odd odors should have vanished, leaving your product ready for use.
What does spoiled chicken taste like?
Eating spoiled chicken is a risky game, as the sour taste, slimy texture, and funky odor can all give away its true nature. Unfortunately, if consumed, this bad chicken can lead to food poisoning and other serious health problems. So, if you ever encounter a chicken that just doesn’t smell, taste or feel quite right, it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and avoid it altogether. Your taste buds (and stomach) will thank you for it.
Why does chicken smell bad so quickly?
Have you ever wondered why that seemingly fresh meat suddenly smells funky? Well, it’s not the dangerous bacteria you should be worried about, but rather the spoilage bacteria. Don’t let the pleasant aroma deceive you. Even if it looks and smells fine, improper storage or cooking can turn it into a stomach-churning experience. So trust your instincts, give it a sniff, and handle with care.
Can I cook chicken 3 days after use by date?
Do you dare eat chicken after the sell-by date? The USDA says it’s best to cook or freeze within 1-2 days of purchase, but don’t panic if it’s a little past its prime. However, take caution and inspect for any signs of spoilage before taking a bite. It’s a risk you’ll have to weigh for yourself.
What should I do if I ate bad chicken?
Recovering from food poisoning? Take some time to relax and rest up. When you’re feeling up to it, reach for small and light bites like toast, crackers, or even a banana. Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks, or any spicy or fatty foods that could upset your stomach. Remember, ease back into your diet and show yourself some TLC.

Daniel Mauney is the Chef/Owner of tapp room Restaurants. He has been in the industry for over 20 years, and his restaurants have been featured in magazines and newspapers all over the country. Daniel’s food is heavily influenced by his travels, and he enjoys incorporating unique flavors and spices into his dishes.
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