How to Store Rotisserie Chicken Until Dinner
If you’ve ever found yourself with a rotisserie chicken on hand but dinner isn’t until later in the day, you’re not alone. Storing rotisserie chicken properly is essential to maintain its flavor and safety. Here’s a guide on how to store rotisserie chicken until dinner, ensuring it’s ready to be enjoyed when you are.
First Steps: Allow to Cool
After purchasing or preparing a rotisserie chicken, the first step is to let it cool down. Placing the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet in the refrigerator will allow any excess moisture to drain away. Cooling the chicken helps to prevent bacterial growth and ensures that it’s at a safe temperature to handle.
Reheat Before Storage
If you’ve already reheated the rotisserie chicken, it’s important to cool it down before storing it. This helps to maintain the quality of the chicken and prevents the refrigerator from becoming too warm. Once cooled, you can proceed to the next steps.
Rewrap the Chicken
After the chicken has cooled, it’s time to rewrap it properly. Remove any plastic wrapping or paper that came with the chicken and replace it with a fresh layer of aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Make sure to wrap the chicken tightly, covering all exposed surfaces to prevent any bacteria from contaminating the meat.
Use a Sealed Container
For extra protection, consider using a sealed container. This can be a plastic storage container with an airtight lid or a zip-top bag. The container will help to keep the chicken fresh and prevent any odors from permeating the refrigerator.
Refrigerate Properly
Once the chicken is wrapped and placed in a container, it’s time to refrigerate it. Keep the chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at or below 40°F (4°C). This will slow down bacterial growth and keep the chicken safe to eat.
Label and Date
To ensure that you use the chicken before it goes bad, label the container with the date of storage. This will help you keep track of how long the chicken has been in the refrigerator and prevent it from being forgotten or left out too long.
Check Before Serving
Before serving the rotisserie chicken, check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, strange color, or slimy texture. If the chicken appears to be in good condition, it’s safe to cook or serve it. If not, it’s best to discard the chicken to avoid foodborne illness.
By following these steps, you can store rotisserie chicken until dinner without compromising its quality or safety. With a little planning and proper storage, you’ll have a delicious meal ready when you’re ready to eat.
