Poultry (e.g. chicken and turkey)
A firm favourite in many UK homes, chicken can be cooked in a variety of different ways whether thats roasted for sunday lunch, or pan-fried or cooked on the BBQ. Turkey can be cooked in similar ways and, although it’s remembered more around festive celebrations like Christmas, it is available throughout the year.
How to store
How to store fresh poultry
All raw poultry should be stored at the bottom of the fridge in a clean, sealed container to stop it touching or dripping onto other things.
Freezing poultry
Both raw and cooked poultry can be frozen. You can freeze raw poultry right up to the 'use by' date. Frozen food is best eaten between 3 - 6 months. Always check any packaging for specific details.
Storing cooked poultry
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep away from raw meat. It can be stored in the freezer, best eaten between 3 - 6 months.
Poultry (e.g. chicken and turkey) Top tips
How to freeze and defrost
How to freeze: Cut raw chicken breasts into strips, lay them out on a tray and put the tray in the freezer. Once frozen you can pack the strips in bags and then use as many as you need each time.
You can freeze raw poultry right up to the use by date. After the use by date, the food is unsafe to eat, even if it has been stored correctly and looks and smells fine. Once poultry has been defrosted, cook raw meat within 24 hours.
How to defrost: When you take food/ drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature. Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking/ reheating.
Eating the whole food
Use/freeze bones and carcass meat after a roast to make stock for another day.
Be fabulous with leftovers
Leftover raw chicken and turkey
Cut any leftover uncooked poultry into strips and use in a stir fry. Any leftover cooked meat can be added to salads, sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day.
Poultry should be cooked, eaten or frozen right up to the use-by date. Once cooked, this will last for a couple of days in the fridge or it can be frozen again. Defrost and eat within 24 hours. Always make sure to check the on-pack instructions after purchasing.
Leftover cooked chicken and turkey
Leftover cooked chicken and turkey can be added to salads and sandwiches. It can be used to make soup or recipes such as curry and stews.
Buying tips
Buy the right pack size - or bird -for your needs. Think about whether you’ll get through the whole pack before the use by date and how long you have to use the food once the pack has been opened. If you’re not going to eat it all in time, freeze some for later. Try buying locally produced poultry to reduce your foot print (impact on our planet).
Think about swapping fresh chicken or turkey for frozen. You can get pieces, portions and prepared poultry products. Frozen foods last a long time in the freezer, you can use as much as you need when you need to and they can often be a cheaper option.
Valuing your Poultry (e.g. chicken and turkey) beyond the price tag
Goodness in food
Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.
- Contains B vitamins including B3, B6 and B12. These are good for energy production and the formation of red blood cells.
- A good source of protein which is needed for growth and repair of body tissues and is especially important for healthy muscles and bones.
- There is also zinc in poultry which helps with making new cells and enzymes, and assists with wound healing.
Food story
By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.
So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!