In many households, their diet includes chicken as a staple, and there’s every chance of having leftovers and storing them in a refrigerator is convenient. However, it’s only reasonable to wonder how long can cooked chicken last in the fridge.

While chicken is a delicious and healthy source of protein, poor storage can lead to bacterial contamination. Therefore, it’s important to prepare, cook and store properly. Else, you might be dealing with some foodborne illness.

Whether it’s baked, fried, grilled, or any other types of cooked chicken, you need to know who to store and tell when it’s no longer safe to eat.

So, if you eat a lot of chicken and need to store the leftovers properly, this article has the rule of thumb to ensure you play it safe.

How long can cooked chicken last in the fridge?

According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), you can safely refrigerate the raw chicken, turkey and other poultry for up to two days. However, cooked chicken (grilled, fried, baked or any other type of cooking method) can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Refrigerating your chicken in a fridge attenuates bacterial growth since the fridge keeps the temperature below 4 degrees C / 40 degrees F.

In addition, it’s best to store your raw chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag or container to contain its juice and ensure it does not contaminate other foods. On the flip, it’s appropriate to keep your cooked chicken in an airtight container when refrigerating.

But if you intend to store your chicken for more than a couple of days, you should do so in a freezer and not a fridge. Using a freezer, you can safely store raw chicken, turkey, and other poultry for approximately nine months, while a whole chicken can remain healthy for about a year. However, your cooked chicken should only be stored in the freezer for at most six months.

All in all;

Keeping your raw chicken in your fridge should not be for more than two days while cooking chicken is safe in the fridge for approximately 3 to 4 days.

#Video: How Long Cooked Chicken Last in The Fridge | How Long can Cooked Chicken Stay Out

How to know when the chicken has gone bad

If you’ve got chicken stored up in the fridge for a week or more, then it’s more likely to have gone bad and a source of foodborne illness.

Let’s check out other ways to determine if the chicken or poultry stored in the fridge has gone bad.

Past due date

Either raw or cooked chicken, it should not be stored past the USDA recommendation. It’s more likely that your chicken has gone bad when it’s passed its ‘best by’ date.

Color changes

Cooked and raw chicken with a gray-green color indicates the presence of bacteria. If you find even spots of gray or green mold on the chicken, then it’s unsafe to eat anymore.

Smell

When both cooked and raw chicken is going bad, they tend to smell like ammonia. However, this odor might be challenging to detect if the chicken has been marinated with spices, herbs, or sauces.

Texture

Refrigerated chicken going bad will have a slimy texture which won’t be healthy and safe to eat even after rinsing. It’s best not to rinse the chicken as it would not get rid of the bacteria, rather spread the bacteria from the chicken to surfaces, utensils, and other foods leading to cross-contamination.

What to do if the refrigerated chicken has gone bad?

There are many ways to figure out if your chicken – raw or cooked- has gone bad, from the fading color to gray spot, acidic or sour smell, and slimy texture. Once you suspect your chicken is going bad, then it’s strictly recommended to discard it.

How to maintain the chicken freshness

Don’t wash raw chicken

According to the CDC, it’s unsafe and unhygienic to wash raw chicken. As said earlier, this can lead to cross-contamination. The chicken juice contains bacteria that can easily spread on your countertops, utensils, and other food.

Thaw the chicken safely.

You must have heard that it’s bad to leave your chicken out at room temperature to defrost – and here’s why. Bacteria in the chicken, turkey or other birds can easily multiply or even get more contaminated by being exposed to the environment for a long period. Thus, the best way around this is to thaw the bird in your refrigerator overnight, microwave it or leave it in a bowl of ice-cold water.

Risks of eating spoiled chicken

Eating meats that have gone bad can lead to food poisoning (also called foodborne illness). Chicken can easily be contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella, campylobacter, etc., which increases your chances of getting food poisoned.

Usually, these bacteria are eliminated by cooking the raw chicken properly. However, it’s important that you avoid eating or cooking spoiled chicken. While cooking or reheating might eliminate the bacteria on the surface, the toxins created by these bacteria remain and can result in food poisoning if ingested.

What are the effects of food poisoning?

Foodborne illness can lead to serious symptoms such as high fever above 38.6 degrees C or 101.5 degrees F, vomiting, dehydration, nausea, chills, and bloody stools. In certain instances, food poisoning can be severe and lead to hospitalization or even death.

Therefore, it’s paramount that you discard any chicken you suspect to have gone bad. Cooking or reheating it does not guarantee your safety.

Ate spoiled chicken? Here’s what to do

If you mistakenly or suspect you may have ingested spoiled chicken or any meat, or even better, experiencing any food poisoning symptoms like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, here are the next steps to take

Visit a doctor immediately.

Your doctor needs to diagnose if the symptoms are related to food poisoning. Then, the doctor will instruct and prescribe the right medications or provide extensive care depending on the severe foodborne illness that has affected your health.

This might not be so bad, and you’ll probably be discharged right away if your symptom is not so severe. However, in other situations, you might require more attention and monitoring at the hospital, especially if you’re experiencing dehydration.

Drink more water

If you can’t reach a doctor immediately, drinking lots of water keeps you hydrated, as you must have a lot of water due to diarrhea and vomiting.

Stop eating

If you suspect food poisoning, it’s best not to consume any more food as your body will likely reject whatever you eat. In addition, eating more food means more trips to the bathroom; therefore, try to minimize your food intake.

Also, it allows your stomach to settle. If you must eat, try ingesting bland food such as oatmeal, bananas, toast, saltines, rice and cereal.

Extra caution when storing cooked or raw chicken in the fridge

According to the Australian Chicken Meat Foundation, ACMF, both Campylobacter and salmonella are bacteria existing naturally in various foods. In particular, the chicken’s gut contains several bacteria that live without affecting the bird. However, some of these bacteria can lead to illness in humans.

And, as such, it’s important to put the necessary effort into minimizing your chances of contamination from raw or cooked chicken. Also, it’s important to handle the raw chicken carefully in your kitchen.

When it comes to handling raw chicken safely, there are two basic rules to follow:

1. Keep the chicken below 5 degrees C for raw meat and below -20 degrees C for frozen birds at all times. Storing the meat at an extremely low temperature completely stops or slows down the growth of bacteria.
2. Cook the meat thoroughly and ensure all chicken parts are cooked up to at least 75 degrees C to eliminate the bacteria completely.

#Video: How Long Is Cooked Chicken Good in the Fridge? How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?

Wrap It Up

It’s safe to store raw chicken in a fridge for 1 – 2 days and up to 4 days for cooked chicken. To determine if the chicken has gone, consider the “best if used by” date and other signs like color, texture, and smell.

All in all, you should avoid eating rancid chicken if you don’t want to deal with vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, and other symptoms of food poisoning. In addition, cooking spoiled chicken thoroughly does not make the meat safe and healthy for consumption. Therefore, it’s best to discard the chicken if you suspect it has gone bad.

Whether it is for commercial or residential use, a Blackstone griddle is one of the best in the market. It uses top-notch materials, guaranteeing an unrivaled quality. However, after a while, the griddle accumulates dirt and debris. More than making it unappealing, it also negatively impacts efficiency and safety, among other things.

It is crucial that you learn how to clean a Blackstone griddle before and after cooking, and that is exactly what we will be talking about in this guide. Some of you are probably too lazy to do basic cleaning, but such is necessary to maintain the griddle’s peak performance. Read on and learn from some of the tips we’ll share below.

Why Choose a Blackstone Griddle

Before we give you a rundown of the different cleaning methods, allow us to list some compelling reasons to have a Blackstone griddle. One of the best things is their price. It isn’t the cheapest, but considering its features and benefits, it can provide the best bang for the buck. The cost is justifiable, so we won’t think twice about buying it.

More so, the quality is superb. They are made using cold-rolled steel. The latter is effective in ensuring even heat distribution, making sure that your food is cooked consistently. It also has a large surface area and multiple burners, allowing you to cook more within a short time.

With regular use, however, your Blackstone griddle will become dirty. From oil to food particles, the accumulations on the surface will result in dirt and grime. Flare-ups are common when such happens. Not to mention, it can also negatively impact the taste of food and will make heating less efficient. That said, proper cleaning is a must, which is what we will be talking about in the next section.

Should You Buy A Blackstone Griddle?

How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle Before Cooking

Some people will instantly proceed to cooking, but we suggest that you take the time to inspect the griddle. This is especially the case if you have not used it in a long time. It only takes a few minutes to clean and prepare the surface. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Start by inspecting the grill. Check all portions for dirt.
2. If you see any dirt, remove it immediately. Use a scraper if it is hard.
3. Use a clean cloth to wipe the surface. This will get rid of dust or anything else on the griddle.
4. If there is too much dirt, you can clean it with mild soap and water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly. Any remnant on the surface can cause an unwanted taste and smell on your food.
5. Turn on the heat to dry the griddle before you start cooking, especially if you are using oil.

Before using the griddle for the first time, some people might think of having it seasoned. However, take note that the Blackstone griddles ships pre-seasoned, so there is no need to repeat it. Do this only when you notice that the coating is starting to wear of or when you notice discolorations.

Cleaning my Blackstone 36” Pro Series Griddle Before Cooking

How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking

Don’t forget to clean your griddle once you are done using it. Otherwise, the food particles and oil will harden on the surface. Eventually, the griddle will darken and become inefficient. There are different ways to clean it, including those that we’ll be talking about below.

1. Start by letting the grill cool down after cooking. Cleaning it immediately is not a good idea since the surface is still hot.
2. Scrape the food particles on the surface of the griddle using a metal scraper or spatula. When scraping, do it in a single direction from one side to another, putting the debris on the raining pan. If there are particles that are hard to remove, pour hot water and scrape.
3. With the griddle now clear of food particles, scrub its surface. Use non-metallic scrubber. A wire brush is a big no, as it can leave metal bits on the surface, and in turn, make the griddle prone to rust.
4. Use warm water to wash the griddle. Keep scrubbing until there are no debris on the surface.
5. Rinse and dry the griddle.

How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking – Food Removal and Adding Oil

How to Deep Clean Your Blackstone Griddle

The steps mentioned above are for daily cleaning after use. It is quick and easy. However, you also need general cleaning. This will depend on the extent of usage. It can be one a month or once a year. Below are the steps on how you can do it:

1. Turn the grill on to the highest possible setting. Once it is hot, pour water on the surface. Leave it for a few minutes or until it evaporates.
2. Cut lemons and squeeze the juice on the top of the griddle. Spread it across the griddle and add water.
3. Alternatively, you can also use a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar. It is acidic, which will help loosen the dirt, making it easier to remove.
4. Use a scraper to remove the residues on the griddle. A heavy-duty scraper will remove hard deposits. If the dirt is stubborn, pour more vinegar or lemon on the top, which will make it softer.
5. Pour warm water on the grill and push the remaining liquid on the drain. Wipe it with a clean cloth.

Do not forget to clean the burners. You will need to remove the top part to access the burners. Remove the burner guards and wash them with water. For the burner itself, you can simply wipe them with a clean cloth. Use a brush or stick to get rid of the debris.

Deep Cleaning A Severly Neglected Blackstone.

How to Season your Blackstone Griddle

While cleaning is important for keeping the grill at its peak, there are other things that you should do. Among others, one that you need is seasoning. You can do this when the grill is new or during general cleaning. Seasoning will coat the top portion of the grill, which will prevent rust. It also creates a natural and permanent non-stick coating.

When you notice that the surface of the griddle is no longer heating as efficiently as before, follow the steps below.

1. Start by giving the grill a quick clean. It is as simple as pouring water and drying it using a clean cloth or paper towels. This is important to remove any debris on the surface before you season the griddle.
2. Spread oil on the griddle using rolled-up paper towel.
3. With the oil covering all parts of the griddle’s surface, turn the heat on at the highest possible setting.
4. Once the griddle smokes, repeat the process. You might need to do it up to four times or until the oil becomes a protective layer on the griddle.
5. Let the griddle cool and dry the surface. It is ready for cooking!

How To Season a New Blackstone Griddle 

Taking Care of Your Blackstone Griddle

Aside from the things that are mentioned above, this section will list down some of the most important care and maintenance tips. Doing these things will help maintain the peak performance of the griddle.

Proper Storage

If you will not use the griddle for a long time, proper storage is a must. It will keep it away from dirt, while also protecting against temperature and humidity. If it comes with a cover, use it. Otherwise, buy one online. A cover is especially important if the griddle is on the patio or any other outdoor area. Keep it in a cool and dry place.

Rust Removal

Over time, rust will form on the griddle. Its removal should be a part of periodic care and maintenance. You can use a low-grain sandpaper or steel wool for removing rust on the surface. Once you are done, rinse and dry the surface. You can also use a commercial rust remover and follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

Stay Away from Soap

Like anything else in the kitchen, most people would think that soap is the best choice for cleaning a Blackstone griddle. However, that is not the case. If possible, you should avoid soap, especially those that packs harsh chemicals. They can also leave a strong scent on the griddle, which can transfer on the food that you are cooking.

Easy Way to Clean the Blackstone Griddle (Revised)

 

There is always something special about a cinnamon roll. From the first bite, its sweetness sends my taste buds into a frenzy. Most of the time, I cook and bake more than what I can eat for the day, so I often end up with leftovers. Good thing, they are easy to reheat, but such a  task can be quite tricky if you have no idea how to do it right.

If you want to know how to reheat cinnamon rolls in the oven, read on. I will not only share how to do it right, but I will also give you a quick look at some of the other methods worth trying. As a bonus, I will also share some tips on how you can make cinnamon rolls like a pro!

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls in Oven

The good news is that it takes only a few steps and anyone can do it while being assured of the best outcomes. Below are the things that you must do.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating the oven. This is important so that the temperature is hot enough when you get the cinnamon rolls in. If you put the cinnamon rolls before the oven heats up, it will end up soggy. Ideally, the oven must be preheated at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Add a Sprinkle of Water

As the oven gets ready, prepare the cinnamon rolls. Take them out of the fridge or wherever it has been. One secret is to add a sprinkle or a tablespoon of water on the top of the cinnamon roll. This will allow the roll to rehydrate as it reheats. Otherwise, it will be too dry, which will result in a bad texture.

3. Brush Butter on the Top

If you are reheating cinnamon rolls without frosting, another trick that can help is to brush butter. This will not only infuse an additional flavor, but this can also make the rolls gooey and soft. Not to mention, it will add a golden-brown finish that makes the cinnamon rolls more presentable.

4. Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls in a Baking Tray

Put the cinnamon rolls in a baking tray, making sure that there is enough space between each of them. Crowding the rolls is a big no as it will not heat evenly. After arranging on a tray, it is also important that you cover them with aluminum foil.

5. Warm the Cinnamon Rolls

With the cinnamon rolls ready and the oven hot, it is time to put the tray in. The exact time will depend on the size and number of the cinnamon rolls that you are reheating. In most instances, 10 to 15 minutes will be enough. If you have frozen cinnamon rolls, however, reheating them can take as long as 25 minutes.

6. Remove from the Oven and Enjoy

Once the time of reheating has lapsed, check the cinnamon rolls. If they are hot enough, then you can take them out of the oven. Let it sit for a while and enjoy while it is warm. We recommend eating everything that you have already reheated instead of putting them back on the fridge if you do not finish all of them.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Ninja Foodi XL PRO Air Fry Oven | Air Baked Cinnabon Rolls Toaster Oven

Other Ways to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls

Aside from reheating in an oven, this section will also give you the quick steps on how you can reheat the cinnamon roll using other methods.

Reheating in a Microwave

A microwave is one of the staple kitchen appliances in many homes. If you do not have the luxury of time and the effort to spare, reheating the cinnamon rolls in a microwave is your best bet.

1. Put the cinnamon rolls in a microwave-safe container. If they are from the freezer, no need to wait to thaw.
2. If your cinnamon rolls have no frosting, brush them with butter on the top to make them softer.
3. Put a glass of water inside the microwave. This will prevent the cinnamon rolls from being dry after reheating.
4. Turn the microwave on. It will take approximately 30 seconds to one minute.
5. Take the cinnamon rolls out of the microwave and enjoy after a few minutes.

Reheating in a Pan

For those who do not have an oven or a microwave, a pan will be your savior. It has a uniform temperature, making it a great choice for reheating cinnamon rolls.

1. Put the pan on the top of a stove and turn the heat on. Medium-low heat will be enough.
2. Wait for the pan to warm. Do not touch the surface to know if it is hot enough. Instead, look for smoke.
3. Once it is hot enough, arrange the cinnamon rolls on the top. Cover the cinnamon rolls with a lid that is big enough to not crush them.
4. Wait for five to ten minutes, check the cinnamon rolls occasionally to see if they are hot enough.
5. Turn off the heat, let the cinnamon rolls sit for a while, and enjoy.

The Secrets to Making the Perfect Cinnamon Roll

Planning to make cinnamon rolls yourself? Before ending this guide, allow us to leave some tips you will find helpful.

• When making the dough, make sure that the milk is warm but not hot. This will let the yeast bloom properly.
• For the filling, very softened butter is a must-have. It is best to leave the butter at room temperature for an hour before filling.
• Chill the dough before shaping it into your cinnamon rolls. This will make it easier to roll the dough while also creating cleaner and tighter rolls.
• Use dental floss instead of a knife when cutting the dough. This will let you cut from the bottom instead of the top, resulting in a better spiral.

Margherita or pepperoni? Veggie or all-meat? Regardless of what tickles your taste buds, pizza is a no-fail! Whether you are enjoying the afternoon with friends or having a movie night with family, pizza is always a good idea.

The best thing about pizza is that it is convenient. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to prepare a good one. They are available frozen, and you can prepare one in a few minutes. Read on as we share some tips and tricks on how to cook frozen pizza in toaster oven.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Frozen Pizza in Toaster Oven

Get ready to prepare a delicious treat! Below is a quick guide for preparing pizza at home without the fuss. Within a few minutes, you are ready to devour!

1. Take the Pizza Out of the Freezer

The first thing that you need to do is to remove the pizza from the freezer. You do not need to thaw the pizza, but you must wait a few minutes before cooking it. If you wait longer, the pizza will end up soggy or watery, which will also affect the quality of the ingredients and the overall taste of the pizza.

2. Preheat the Oven

As you wait for the pizza to be ready for cooking, preheat your oven. Choose the highest possible setting. This makes sure that the taoster oven is hot in no time and you are soon ready to cook your pizza.

It is important that the oven is hot enough before putting the pizza in. It should have been properly pre-heated and scorching hot. For the crispiest crust, try to achieve a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Place the Pizza on a Tray

Put the pizza on a tray that will fit in an oven. You can use a pizza pan, screen, or stone, depending on what is accessible. When you do so, make sure to take out the pizza out of the packaging before cooking it in an oven.

If you want the pizza to be crispy, especially the crust and the edges, do not line with a baking sheet. It is best if you will put the pizza directly on the oven rack. This will also make sure that the crust cooks evenly.

When you are cooking a thick pizza, you will benefit from using a pizza stone. This is a great way to prevent the thick crust from being chewy. If you are using a pizza stone, make sure that it is already inside when you preheat the oven. More so, you will need to put the pizza directly on the stone.

4. Cook the Pizza

Now that you are ready to cook, put the pizza in the oven and close the door. The duration or time by which you will cook the pizza will depend on the setting that you will choose. In most cases, it will take up to 15 minutes. It is also a good practice to set it at five minutes and check. If it is still uncooked, then cook for five more minutes.

5. Let the Pizza Cool

Look at the pizza and once you are sure that it is cooked, take it off the oven. Make sure that you are wearing mitts or using the right tools. Let it rest for at least five minutes before cutting and serving. When you cut the pizza, use a sharp knife or cutter. Otherwise, you will be cutting back and forth, which will affect the quality of the crust. Enjoy the pizza immediately.

Other Tips and Tricks for Cooking Pizza in a Toaster Oven

Aside from following the steps mentioned above, below are some important tips to keep in mind.

Choose the Right Pizza

While cooking techniques matter, it is equally important that you choose the right kind of frozen pizza. Quality is a crucial consideration. It should have ingredients that will still taste good even if they have already been frozen. Keep it simple. Less is more in frozen pizzas. The more ingredients there are, the higher is the likelihood that the pizza will end up being soggy after cooking.

Use an In-Oven Thermometer

As earlier mentioned, making sure that the oven is hot enough is one of the secrets in cooking the perfect frozen pizza. While you can always look at the digital display for the temperature of the oven, this is not the most accurate. We recommend using an in-oven thermometer instead. It will provide more accurate readings, making sure that the oven is hot enough.

Add Fresh Toppings

Use your creativity to take your pizza to the next level and elevate its flavors. One of the best things to do is to add fresh ingredients, such as onion, garlic, bell pepper, mushroom, and anything else that you would like. This will add color and flavor to the pizza. You can even add barbecue sauce, feta cheese, and pulled pork.

Squeeze Lemon on Top

Aside from adding toppings when cooking your frozen pizza, another simple trick that can up the taste is a squeeze of lemon. It has a bright flavor that will add freshness to the frozen pizza once it has been cooked. Aside from fresh lemon, one more thing that can do wonders is lemon-infused olive oil.

Resist Cutting the Pizza in an Instant

After taking the pizza off the oven, most people will think of cutting it in an instant. However, such is not a good idea. Waiting for a few minutes is best. If it has cheese, then the melted cheese should not stick to the cutter or knife. That is the time you will know that you can cut and serve the pizza. Also, when you are cutting the pizza, make sure that you do it on a flat surface.

How to Make Pizza Dough/How to Make Homemade Pizza🍕🍕🍕