TempoLife › Features › How long food keeps: fridge, freezer and pantry › chicken-whole
Raw whole chicken shelf life
Raw whole chicken keeps 1-2 days in the fridge, 12 months in the freezer. Spoilage signs and the safe-handling notes, from the USDA Cold Food Storage Chart.
Storage at a glance
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Fridge (0-4 °C) | 1-2 days |
| Freezer (-18 °C) | 12 months |
Signs it has gone off
Sour or ammonia-like smell, slimy surface.
Safe handling
Freeze whole birds in their original wrap plus an outer wrap.
Storage times are guidance, not a guarantee. If it looks or smells wrong, do not taste it to check.
Source: USDA Cold Food Storage Chart / FDA-USDA FoodKeeper · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
How long does raw whole chicken last in the fridge?
1-2 days — stored sealed, at 4 C or below.
Can you freeze raw whole chicken?
Yes — about 12 months for quality. Frozen at a constant -18 C it stays safe longer; the time is about taste and texture.
How do you know when raw whole chicken has gone off?
Sour or ammonia-like smell, slimy surface. Trust the signs over any date.
Raw minced meat (beef, pork, lamb)
Fridge: 1-2 days · freezer: 3-4 months
Raw beef steaks and roasts
Fridge: 3-5 days · freezer: 6-12 months
Raw pork chops and roasts
Fridge: 3-5 days · freezer: 4-6 months
Raw lamb
Fridge: 3-5 days · freezer: 6-9 months
Raw chicken pieces
Fridge: 1-2 days · freezer: 9 months
Raw sausages
Fridge: 1-2 days · freezer: 1-2 months
Know the shelf life, plan the week
TempoLife puts the food plan next to your goals, so what you bought gets eaten, not binned.