Can you eat cold chicken? Well obviously, you can. But should you? If you ask the same question to your mother she will definitely say yes, as wasting food is worse than eating stale food. But now let’s have a closer and more scientific look at it.
Is it safe to eat cold or leftover chicken? Like everything else, this can not have one single answer. But if I am forced to come up with one I would say Yes! it’s safe to eat cold chicken. A healthy human being is born with five senses and is trained throughout his life to use those senses efficiently. So, it is unlikely that you are eating stale chicken, otherwise, you would have known.
Whether or not the cold chicken is safe to eat depends on what cold you are talking about. Refrigerated, frozen, or raw? Cooked refrigerated chicken is good for you to eat within 3-4 days. Frozen chicken? Well, try eating it and you will get the answer. Eating raw chicken is always a big No.
Table of Content
The Essential Checklist
The next time you are standing in front of the fridge try and make a mental list of questions, if you are able to answer all of them with a YES, go ahead ad enjoy your lazy meal.
- Was it completely cooked when stored?
- Was it stored in the fridge or out in the open?
- Does it smell fine
- Were there any other ingredients added that could go bad, like any sauces or tomatoes?
How to eat it now?
Now that your cooked chicken has passed the test of time and has successfully made it to your plate, this is how you should prepare it to be eaten again
- Eat it as is
- Or warm it up in the oven or microwave at a temperature higher than 60 c.
- Avoid warming it up slightly because bacteria harbor in food at a temperature between 4-60 c.
- Do not let it rest again. Once you have warmed up your chicken try eating it immediately.
Benefits Of Cold Chicken
1. Good Nutrition
If it isn’t obvious, let me tell you that cold chicken possesses the same nutritional value as any other form of chicken. Being high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats, chicken can fit well in any healthy diet.
So if next time you are standing with your fridge door open and looking for something ready-to-eat go for the chicken instead of the donuts.
2. Time-saving
Oof! the feeling of not having to cook every day, isn’t it amazing. Making a pot full of drumsticks and storing it in for the next day, will save you time and effort. If you are on a full-time job, cold chicken can be your best friend. So if, till now you were avoiding to do so because you thought it was not good. I, as a nutritionist, allow you to make your life easier. If you can tick the checklist above and the chicken seems right, go for it.
3. The Taste
I don’t know about you but my laziness has made me love the taste of cold chicken. I am sure there are many others like me who enjoy nothing more than pulling out a container from the fridge and eat it right then and there.
4. Special Recipes
Lazy people like you and me have made it even easier for us. There are specific recipes to compliment the cold chicken. Salads, sliders, and sandwiches all taste better when made with cold chicken.
Mind you that these recipes can be very healthy too. Chicken is not the only thing that ranks your food on the health scale, other ingredients like sauces, bread, and vegetables play an important role too.
Cold Chicken Disadvantages
1. Health Risks
There are no certain health risks associated with cold chicken that are not associated with chicken in general. Too much chicken, warm or cold, like everything else is not good for your health. Our body demands everything in moderation. Always having a potful of chicken in your fridge will eventually lead you to avoid your veggies and fruits.
2. The Chance Of Going Bad
You can not keeep everything under control. There will be instances where you will forget your chicken on the slab or your fridge won’t work efficiently or anyother ingredient in your curry will go bad. This will lead to stale and unhealthy chicken. And there is nothing good about eating bad food
3. Bad Texture
Taste is a fusion of looks, flavor, texture, and smell. If any of the factors is missing, it will affect the overall taste. If you are planning to save the fried chicken for later, don’t! It will lose its crispness and will taste plain and bland.
Similarly, the added vegetables will lose their crunch and the oil can separate from the chicken making it more greasy.
If you are a fan of hot crispy chicken straight from the fryer or oven, there is nothing that can make you eat the leftover cold chicken. But for my lazy fellows who can not afford a trip to the store or dread spending time in the kitchen, you have got yourself good support.
If you are very health concious and work hard to maintain good health this article does not concern you. Keep on doing what you do because nothing beats fresh and healthy food.
FAQs
1.Can you eat cold chicken when pregnant?
Yes, you can. But it is always wise to follow a proper diet prescribed by a nutritionist, especially when pregnant.
2.Can you eat chicken cold after reheating?
Yes, but make sure you reheat it properly. Also, avoid using a microwave if your food has raw vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.
3.Can you eat cold chicken wings?
Yes, you can eat cold chicken wings. Make sure that all the sauces are fine too.
4.How long is it safe to eat cooked chicken?
It is safe to store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
5.How to cook the chicken to eat it cold?
If you want to store your chicken for later use, make sure you cook it completely. Raw or slightly raw chicken is more likely to go bad, if not frozen.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with top nutritionists in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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