4 Simple Ways to Store Chicken Meat to Keep It Fresh for a Week

foto: Freepik/jcomp

Maintaining the freshness of chicken meat is not only about maintaining the taste, but is also very important for food safety.

Chicken is one of the most frequently processed sources of animal protein in everyday cooking. Its delicious taste and texture that is easy to combine with various spices make it a favorite in many kitchens. However, chicken is also a food ingredient that is easily damaged if not stored properly. In a short time, its protein content can become a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria.

Maintaining the freshness of chicken meat is not only about maintaining the taste, but also very important for food safety. Chicken that is stored carelessly can become a nest for bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, which can cause serious digestive problems. Therefore, knowing how to store chicken meat properly can help prevent waste while maintaining health.

Here are four ways to store chicken that can help maintain its freshness for up to a week, complete with explanations.

Marinating chicken is not only about adding flavor, but it can also be an effective method to prolong its freshness. This process involves soaking the chicken in a mixture of acidic ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt.

Why is it durable?

The acid content in these ingredients can slow the growth of microorganisms that cause meat to rot quickly. The acidic nature works as a natural inhibitor of bacterial activity, keeping meat safe for a certain period of time.

However, remember, marinated chicken should be cooked within 3-4 days. So, this method is suitable if you want to cook chicken in the short term without needing to freeze it.

Storage tips:
- Use a tightly closed container to store marinated chicken.
- Store on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to keep the temperature stable and not contaminate other food ingredients.
- Don't add too much salt at the start of marinating so that the meat doesn't toughen.

If you want to store your chicken for more than three days, freezing it is the best option. The freezing process inhibits almost all bacterial activity because the temperature is very low.

Why is it effective?

Freezing temperatures (around -18C) prevent microorganisms from growing. This allows chicken to stay fresh for months. However, if the target is only for a week, the quality of chicken stored in the freezer can be very well maintained, especially if it is wrapped well.

The correct way to freeze:
- Wrap the chicken in airtight plastic wrap or use a vacuum bag.
- You can also use aluminum foil as an additional layer to prevent freezer burn (a layer of ice that can damage the texture and taste).
- Add a label containing the storage date to make it easy to track how long it has been stored.
- When ready to use, thaw the chicken slowly in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.

Vital Records:
Although chicken can last up to 69 months in the freezer, to maintain the best taste and texture, try to use it within 7 days if you want to maintain premium quality.

If you don't want to freeze chicken, you can still store it in the refrigerator as long as it is done correctly. Raw chicken should be stored at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius to prevent bacterial growth.

The logic behind why it can last:
The cold temperature in the refrigerator slows the growth of microorganisms, although it does not stop it completely like in the freezer. If stored in tightly closed packaging, outside air carrying bacteria cannot easily enter and contamination can be avoided.

Recommended storage method:
- Use an airtight container or tight plastic wrap.
- You can also put it in a ziplock bag and remove as much air as possible.
- Place the chicken at the bottom of the refrigerator, so that water dripping from the meat does not contaminate other food ingredients.

How long can it last?
Raw chicken stored in the refrigerator usually only lasts 1-2 days. But if combined with the marinade method or packed very tightly and cold stable, it can last up to 5-7 days. Make sure not to open and close the container too often to maintain its temperature and humidity.

When taking your chickens on a long trip or on a picnic, keeping them cool is essential. An ice pack can be a handy solution.

Why is it effective?

The low temperature of the ice pack will keep the chicken below the critical temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, which is the safe limit for storing raw food. This method is useful for keeping chicken fresh for a few hours to a day.

How to use it:
- Store the chicken in a tightly closed cooler box.
- Add a frozen ice pack or cooling gel around the chicken.
- Try not to open and close the box too often to keep the temperature stable.

Once you arrive at your destination, immediately put the chicken in the refrigerator or freezer. If left at room temperature for more than two hours, the risk of contamination can increase.

photo: Freepik/azerbaijan_stockers

Whatever the storage method, one thing that should not be overlooked is to cook the chicken thoroughly before consuming it. Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria that cause various digestive diseases.

Some bacteria that are often found in raw chicken meat include:

1. Campylobacter

This bacteria is often the cause of digestive tract infections. Symptoms that appear can include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin to appear 25 days after consuming contaminated chicken and can last up to 7 days.

2. Salmonella

Another bacteria that is no less dangerous is Salmonella. Symptoms include fever, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This infection usually appears within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last for 47 days.

Both can be very risky, especially for people with weakened immune systems, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. That's why it's important to make sure your chicken is thoroughly cooked.

(brl/red)