The 6 Most Commonly Searched Questions About Cooking Chicken, Answered

How long can raw chicken stay in the fridge? At what temperature is chicken fully cooked? How long does it take to bake chicken thighs? These are just a few of the questions I search for every time I prepare to cook chicken.

No matter your level of cooking expertise, there are always some questions that need a second look when it comes to safe and effective cooking. I’ve found this to be especially true when cooking chicken.

And I’m not the only one. According to Google, some of the most frequently asked cooking questions are all about chicken. To clear up these common concerns, we’ve compiled answers to some of the internet’s most popular chicken-related cooking queries, so you’re ready for your next meal.

How Long Can Raw Chicken Be Stored in the Fridge?

According to Foodsafety.gov, raw chicken typically lasts between one to two days in the fridge. It's best to cook and consume it as soon as possible, but if you're not ready, you can freeze it for up to nine months.

How Long Can Cooked Chicken Be Stored in the Fridge?

Once your chicken is fully cooked (whether steamed, roasted, or fried), it can last three to four days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. However, if it develops any unusual odor or texture, it's best to discard it as it may be spoiled and could cause food poisoning.

What Temperature Should Chicken Be to Be Fully Cooked?

One of the key food safety guidelines when cooking chicken is making sure it reaches the right internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when it hits 165°F. This applies to the entire bird, including the breasts, legs, thighs, wings, and ground poultry.

How Long Does It Take to Bake Chicken Thighs?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for baking chicken thighs, as there are many ways to cook them. However, following our highly-rated Easy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe, you’ll need about 30 minutes at 375°F for them to be fully cooked.

For juicier chicken, you can cook thighs at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes. If you’re short on time, baking them at 400°F for about 25 minutes will get the job done faster.

How Much Protein Does Chicken Contain?

Chicken is a popular and convenient source of protein in many diets. While the exact nutritional value can vary based on size, weight, and cut, a 4-ounce serving of chicken typically provides between 21 and 28 grams of protein.

How to Know If Chicken Has Spoiled

Just as cooking chicken to the correct temperature is crucial, it’s equally important to ensure that the chicken you’re using is fresh to prevent foodborne illness. The first step in determining whether your chicken has spoiled is checking its best-by date. If the chicken is past this date—and hasn’t been frozen before—then it has gone bad.

There are other indicators to help you determine if your chicken is still safe to eat: smell, texture, and color. Fresh or raw chicken shouldn’t have a strong odor, so if it gives off a foul or sour smell, discard it immediately. Raw chicken has a soft texture, while cooked chicken should be firm. If your chicken feels slimy, mushy, or sticky, it’s no longer safe to eat. Additionally, spoiled chicken may have a yellowish or grayish tint in some areas, so if you notice this, throw it away right away.