In this brief, guide, we’ll address the search query: “Can I put warm chicken in the fridge?” Also, we’ll explore how warm food should be stored, how cooked chicken should be stored, and why chicken should not be left out at room temperature.
Can I put warm chicken in the fridge?
Yes, our readers can store warm chicken in the fridge.
When food is stored at a temperature below 40 °F (4°C), the low temperatures slow the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
As a result, placing warm chicken in the fridge will help to curb the growth of any bacteria that may be on the chicken.
Ideally, the chicken should be cooled to room temperature before being stored at temperatures below 40 °F. This should be done as quickly as possible to help prevent the growth of bacteria that may find their way to the meat’s surface.
How should warm food be stored?
An ideal way to store warm food is by placing it in a tight-sealing container and putting it in the fridge. Our readers should also make sure to clearly label the food so that they know what it is, and how long it’s been stored.
The length of time that the food will be stored will depend on the type of food that is being stored, as some foods may be more perishable than others. Notably, rich foods that have a high content of fat and water are more perishable than drier foods, as microbes will grow more readily on surfaces with moisture and over which they can adhere (stick).
Another alternative to storing food in the fridge is to freeze it. Subzero temperatures halt the growth of microbes that cause spoilage and greatly extend the shelf-life of many food products.
How should cooked chicken be stored?
Cooked chicken can be stored either in refrigeration or in a freezer. Ultimately, the storage method will depend on how long our readers wish to preserve their chicken dishes, and how soon they’ll be able to consume the meat before it spoils.
Refrigeration is an ideal alternative for short-term storage. Covered in plastic cling wrap or stored in a sealed container, cooked chicken can keep for up to four days in refrigeration.
Frozen, cooked chicken can keep for up to four months (more or less, depending on the meat’s presentation) at peak freshness, though it may remain safe to consume well after the said period. Freezing is an ideal alternative for long-term storage, which can help our readers economize space and reduce their waste.
Ultimately, our readers will decide what storage option best suits their needs, which are contingent on how long they wish to store their dishes, and how soon they’ll consume them.
Why should chicken not be left out at room temperature?
Chicken should not be left out at room temperature, because bacteria may grow, leading to food spoilage and potentially, food poisoning. For this reason, it is important not to leave chicken out at room temperature for more than two hours.
While briefly left at room temperature, chicken should be covered with a lid or in a container, to prevent flies and other critters from finding a quick bite.
Chicken is a rich meat upon which airborne microbes may easily land and begin to grow. These microbes can include bacteria and mold spores that in their initial phases may not cause damage, but if left to fester, they can secret toxins and spoil chicken.
Food that is left out may also constitute a source of inoculum for foodborne illness, and its consumption may trigger symptoms of food poisoning.
Individuals at risk from food poisoning include the elderly, pregnant women, small children, and immunocompromised patients.
Furthermore, chicken that has been left at room temperature for more than two hours and then refrigerated can be heated to kill off any microbes, though high temperatures may not necessarily break down toxins secreted, and as a result, those who partake in this meat may still suffer symptoms.
Symptoms of food poisoning include abdominal aches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, headaches, and fever. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, along with the administering of intravenous fluids.
Additionally, a doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics to address a gastrointestinal infection.
We urge our readers to prioritize their health and store their meals adequately to prevent food poisoning, waste, and other calamities.
Conclusion
In this brief, guide, we’ve addressed the search query: “Can I put warm chicken in the fridge?” Also, we’ve explored how warm food should be stored, how cooked chicken should be stored, and why chicken should not be left out at room temperature.