How Long Is Rotisserie Chicken Good For?
Rotisserie chicken is one of the best dishes you can serve your friends and family for a special occasion. Rotisserie chicken is typically famous for holidays because it’s easy to make and delicious. However, there are some things that you need to know about this dish before serving it to others.
This raw chicken dish usually lasts longer than regular broiled or grilled chicken. This is because the chicken is cooked on a rotating spit which allows the juices from the chicken to drip into the oven. The result is juicy chicken with crispy skin. A rotisserie chicken is good for up to three days after cooking. It can be stored safely in a freezer with a foil wrap or an airtight container. This will also keep you safe from food poisoning and spoiled rotisserie chicken.
How Long Does It Stay Fresh After Freezing?
Rotisserie chicken can stay fresh and last longer if you freeze them first. You should defrost the frozen cooked chicken in the refrigerator overnight. If you want to warm the cooked chicken, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the cooked chicken for two minutes at a time until heated through. If you want a chicken crispy texture, you need to keep the internal temperature hotter than average.
Another tip to keep your rotisserie chicken fresh is to remove the plastic packaging before freezing. Plastic packaging will prevent the batch of chicken from absorbing moisture and bacteria.
Is It Okay To Eat It Past Its Expiration Date?
Since it’s chicken, you don’t have to worry about eating past its expiration date. But if you’re unsure whether the chicken has gone wrong, you can always check the label. Look for the USDA mark of inspection. If the USDA inspected the chicken, the chicken with salt would be safe to eat.
If you see no USDA mark, the chicken may contain harmful bacteria. In such cases, you should throw away the chicken immediately.
How Can You Tell If It Has Gone Wrong?
You can identify if a frozen rotisserie chicken has gone wrong by looking at the color of the meat. If the meat looks dark brown, then it means that it has spoiled. It would be best if you also looked at the texture of the flesh. If it feels soft and mushy, then it means that your chicken has spoiled.
When you see your rotisserie chicken has gone wrong, you must dispose of it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could spread dangerous germs to other foods.
Rotisserie Chicken Expiration Signs
There can be a lot of signs that your rotisserie chicken recipe is going bad. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Dark Brown Meat
The darker the meat gets, the more likely it is to spoil. When you open the package of rotisserie chicken, you should cut off any excess fat. Then, you should discard the ground chicken if the meat turns dark brown.
2. Soft And Flaky Skin
Soft and flaky skin indicates that the chicken has spoiled. You should discard the chicken if you notice that the skin becomes very quiet and starts falling apart.
3. Smell
A rotten smell coming from the chicken indicates that it has spoiled. Discard the chicken if you detect a strong odor.
4. Sticky Claws
Sticky claws mean that the chicken has been sitting around too long. Rotisserie chickens are best when they are eaten within 24 hours after being cooked.
5. Unpleasant Taste
An unpleasant taste is another sign that the chicken has spoiled and needs to be thrown out. If you find that the flavor of the rotisserie chicken cold has changed, then it means that there is something wrong with the chicken.
What Causes The Spoilage Of Rotisserie Chicken?
One of the significant causes why rotisserie chicken is spoiled, is because of improper storage. If you store your rotisserie chicken improperly, it can get contaminated with bacteria. This is especially true if you leave the chicken on the countertop or in direct sunlight.
Bacteria thrive in warm temperatures. Therefore, storing your rotisserie chicken in an unrefrigerated area makes it prone to spoiling.
In addition, using the same container to store your rotisserie chickens will make them susceptible to contamination.
Another cause of rotisserie chicken spoilage is due to improper handling. For example, if you handle your rotisserie chicken without washing your hands first, you might contaminate it with bacteria.
Shelf Life Of Rotisserie Chicken
The shelf life of rotisserie chicken will depend on its type. Some types of rotisserie chicken have a longer shelf life than others.
For example, whole chickens tend to last longer than boneless pieces. Boneless pieces usually go bad faster than their bone-in counterparts.
If you want to know how long your rotisserie chicken will last, you can check the expiration date printed on the packaging. However, this information is not always accurate.
FAQs
Can You Eat Rotisserie Chicken After Five Days?
Yes, you can eat rotisserie chicken up to five days after cooking. But remember that it will lose its freshness over time and lead to spoiled chicken. For your rotisserie chicken to last five days, you must store it properly in the freezer. To do so, you can wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a resealable plastic bag.
Another way to seal the freshness of your rotisserie chicken is by placing it in a sealed container. Make sure that the container is airtight and that it does not contain moisture.
Can You Meal Prep Costco Rotisserie Chicken For Five Days?
Yes, you can use Costco rotisserie chicken for five days. All you need is to defrost frozen Costco rotisserie chicken as well. However, it would be best if you remembered that it would lose its quality as time passes. To safely meal prep Costco rotisserie chicken, you must freeze it first. Then, you can thaw it before using it.
You may also use plastic and microwaveable containers and portion them into smaller portions. This way, you can’t only keep your chicken fresh and tasty, but you can easily portion it into individual servings.
How Long Is Rotisserie Chicken Good For On The Bone?
When it comes to rotisserie chicken on the bone, it depends on the size of the bird. Smaller birds, like drumsticks, are better stored for three days, while larger ones, like thighs, should be kept for four days.
Rotisserie chicken on the bones is best when cooked until the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the poultry will become tender and juicy.