Once chicken is thawed in the refrigerator, it is generally safe to cook and consume it within 1 to 2 days. Thawing the chicken in the refrigerator is the safest method as it keeps the meat at a consistent and cold temperature, preventing bacterial growth.
If you don't plan to cook the chicken within 1 to 2 days after thawing, you have a couple of options to extend its shelf life:
Freezing: You can safely refreeze the chicken if needed, but make sure to do so within the 1 to 2 days of thawing. Keep in mind that refreezing chicken may affect its quality and texture.
Cooking: If you cook the thawed chicken but don't intend to eat it immediately, you can store the cooked chicken in the refrigerator for an additional 3 to 4 days. This means the total time for the cooked chicken in the fridge, including thawing and cooking time, should not exceed 4 to 6 days.
It's crucial to handle chicken properly to prevent foodborne illnesses. Always follow safe food handling practices, and if you're unsure about the freshness or safety of the chicken, it's best to discard it to avoid the risk of food poisoning.