Poultry / Fresh

Chickenwhole

1–2 days in the fridge from the date of purchase and 12 months in the freezer.

Pantry

No USDA guidance

Fridge

from purchase: 1–2 days

Freezer

from purchase: 12 months

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeperHow to read these times

Common questions

How long does chicken (whole) last in the fridge?

1–2 days from the date of purchase.

Can you freeze chicken (whole), and for how long?

Yes. 12 months from the date of purchase.

How can I tell if chicken (whole) has gone bad?

Throw it out if it smells off, feels slimy or sticky, shows mold, or has changed color. Storage times assume it was handled safely and kept cold the whole time.