Key Takeaway

• Pre-cooked chicken sausage lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge after opening.
• Raw chicken sausage should be consumed within 1 to 2 days after opening.
• Always check for signs of spoilage before eating any sausage.

Chicken sausage has a short shelf life once opened. Pre-cooked varieties last 3-4 days in the fridge, while raw sausage may only last 1-2 days. To help it last as long as possible, tightly wrap opened packages and store in the coldest part of your fridge, like on a shelf in the door. Check for signs of spoilage before eating, like odd smells or sliminess. When in doubt, throw it out to stay healthy! Keep reading to learn more storage tips.

How Long Does Pre-Cooked Chicken Sausage Last in the Fridge?

Credit : Chef Raphael

Pre-cooked chicken sausage is a convenient food to have on hand for quick meals. Some info on how long it stays fresh once opened or unopened:

• Opened Sausage: After opening the package, the sausage is still good to eat for 3-4 days if stored properly in the fridge.
• Unopened Sausage: If the package hasn’t been opened yet, the “use by” date on the package is usually 2 weeks from when you bought it.

To keep opened sausage from spoiling:

• Leave it in the original packaging if you can. This helps keep it fresher longer.
• If the package is damaged, put it in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. This prevents air from getting to it.
• Check that your fridge temperature is 40°F or below. Colder temperatures help prevent bacteria growth.

Before cooking, do a smell and look test:

• Throw it out if it looks slimy, smells bad, or has colors other than pink or light brown. Those are signs it’s gone bad.

With some simple storage tips, pre-cooked chicken sausage can stay tasty and safe to eat in the fridge for a few days after opening. Just check the “use by” date if it’s still sealed.

How Long Does Raw Chicken Sausage Last in the Fridge or Freezer?

Raw chicken sausage has a shorter shelf life than pre-cooked sausage because it contains raw chicken. Some tips for safely storing and using it:

• Opened Sausage in Fridge: Eat within 1-2 days of opening to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.
• Freezing Raw Sausage: If you won’t use it right away, freezing is best. Wrap it tightly in plastic or foil to prevent freezer burn. Label packages with the date.
• How Long in Freezer: Properly wrapped sausage can last 1-2 months in the freezer.
• Cooking Thawed Sausage: If thawed in the fridge, cook within 1-2 days.
• Cook to 165°F: Always use a food thermometer to make sure sausage reaches 165°F internally before eating. This temperature kills harmful germs.

Following these simple steps helps keep raw chicken sausage fresh and reduces the chances of getting sick. Freezing or eating within a couple days of opening the package helps keep it safest to consume. (1)

What to Look for to Tell if Chicken Sausage Has Gone Bad

Important tips for storing chicken sausage safely:

• Keep the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom shelf in back, where it’s 40°F or below.
• If not used right away, securely wrap in plastic or foil to prevent drying out.

For longer storage:

• Cooked sausage can be frozen for up to 3 months when packaged well.
• Wrap tightly, squeezing out extra air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label packages with the date so you know how long it’s been frozen.

Checking sausage for signs it’s gone bad is also key:

• Toss it if the color looks weird like gray or green.
• A sour or rotten smell means bacteria has grown.
• If the texture feels slimy or sticky, it’s best not to risk eating.

Following these simple steps will help keep chicken sausage tasting great and safe to eat! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Proper Storage Practices for Chicken Sausage

The fridge is best – keep it in the coldest part, which is usually around 40°F or below. Colder temperatures help prevent germs from growing. (2)If you won’t use the sausage right away, wrap it tightly to protect it. Plastic wrap or foil work well. This helps keep air from drying it out or allowing germs to spread.Freezing is also a good option for longer storage. Cooked sausage can last up to 3 months in the freezer when packaged correctly. Here are some tips:

• Wrap it tightly in plastic or foil to seal in freshness.
• Write the date on the package so you know how long it’s been frozen.
• Squeeze out extra air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Following these simple steps helps keep chicken sausage fresh, safe and at its best quality for longer. Proper storage reduces the risk of food poisoning too. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cooking and Thawing Tips

It’s important to cook sausage thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is 165°F. Insert it into the thickest part for an accurate reading.If you’ve frozen cooked sausage, thaw it in the fridge. This keeps it at a safe temperature. Once thawed, eat it within 1-2 days for best quality.If you thaw faster methods like the microwave or cold water, cook the sausage right away. Leaving it sitting too long after a quick thaw raises the risk of germs.A few other tips:

• Always use a meat thermometer to be sure it’s cooked safely.
• Thaw frozen sausage slowly in the fridge, not on the counter.
• Eat fridge-thawed sausage within a day or two of thawing.
• Cook immediately if thawed quickly like in water or the microwave.

Check for bad smells or textures before cooking too. When in doubt, throw it out. Let me know if you have any other questions.

FAQs

How long does cooked chicken sausage last in the fridge and how should it be properly stored?

Cooked chicken sausages last 3-4 days in the fridge when properly stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To maintain best quality and prevent bacterial growth, store them promptly after cooking and make sure your fridge temperature is below 40°F. For longer storage, you can keep cooked sausages in the freezer for 2-3 months before freezer burn affects their flavor and texture.

What are the signs of spoilage for chicken sausages and how can I tell if my sausage has gone bad?

Watch for signs that your chicken sausage has gone bad, like a slimy texture, odd smells, or color changes. Fresh sausages should look plump and feel firm. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution – eating spoiled sausage can lead to food poisoning from harmful bacteria. This applies to all types of sausages, whether they’re chicken, turkey, pork sausage, or beef sausage.

How do storage practices differ for raw sausages versus pre-cooked chicken sausages?

Raw sausages need more careful food safety handling than pre-cooked chicken sausages. Raw sausages, including chicken or turkey varieties, should stay in their original packaging in the fridge for only 1-2 days. If you’re not using them right away, freeze raw sausages to remain safe for longer. Pre-cooked chicken sausages, like hot dogs or smoked sausages, have a longer shelf life thanks to their processing.

What’s the best way to prevent freezer burn when storing chicken sausages long-term?

To prevent freezer burn and maintain the best quality of your chicken sausages for months in the freezer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use an airtight container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored sausages can last up to 6 months in the freezer, though their flavor and texture might change slightly over time.

Should I store my unopened package of chicken sausage in the fridge or freezer?

An unopened package of chicken sausage has a longer shelf life than opened sausages. Keep it in the fridge if you plan to use it within a week, or put it in the freezer for extended storage. The same rules apply whether you’re storing fresh sausages, ground turkey, or pork chops – proper storage in the fridge or freezer is key for food safety.

What’s the safest way to thaw frozen chicken sausages?

The safest way to thaw frozen chicken sausages is in the fridge or using cold water. Never leave them at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth. If using the cold water method, keep the sausages in a sealed plastic bag and change the water every 30 minutes. You can also cook them in an air fryer from frozen, just make sure they reach the proper internal temperature.

Can I use slightly old chicken sausages in soups and stews?

Whole chicken sausages past their prime might be tempting to use in soups and stews, it’s important to follow food storage guidelines. If your sausages show any signs of spoilage, don’t risk using them in any dishes. When in doubt, throw them out – it’s better to play it safe than risk food poisoning from bad sausages.

How long does sausage last in the fridge once the package is opened?

Once you open the package, fresh sausages last in the fridge for 1-2 days. Cooked sausages can last a bit longer, typically 3-4 days when stored correctly. This timeline applies to all types of sausages, whether they’re chicken sausages, pork sausage, or beef sausage. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating, regardless of how long they’ve been stored.

Conclusion

Properly handling chicken sausage is important for safety and quality. Pre-cooked lasts 3-4 days in the fridge, raw 1-2 days. Be sure to check for spoilage and follow storage guidelines. Storing in the back of the fridge or freezing helps sausage stay tasty for longer. Following these tips will help you enjoy meals made with fresh, safe chicken sausage.

References 

1. https://www.premiofoods.com/how-long-does-sausage-stay-fresh/ 
2. https://www.makefoodsafe.com/how-long-can-sausage-last-in-the-fridge/ 

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• https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/food-freshness-and-safety/
• https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/what-to-put-in-airtight-containers/
• https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/do-airtight-containers-keep-bugs-out/ 

Mary R. Q.

I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.