Aidells chicken sausage is a popular pre-cooked sausage that can be a quick and easy protein option for meals. But with its convenience comes the question – how long does Aidells chicken sausage actually last?
Knowing the shelf life and proper storage methods for Aidells chicken sausage ensures you can enjoy this tasty sausage while avoiding food waste and potential foodborne illnesses. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how long Aidells chicken sausages last and how to store them for maximum freshness.
An Overview of Aidells Chicken Sausage
Aidells is a popular brand that makes pre-cooked, fully cooked sausages in a range of flavors. Their chicken sausages are made from ground chicken thigh meat mixed with various seasonings and ingredients like apples, mangos, spinach and more.
The sausages come fully cooked so they just need to be heated before serving. They have an edible casing and are available linked or in bulk sausage form Some popular Aidells chicken sausage varieties include
- Chicken and Apple
- Mango Chicken with Jalapeño
- Chicken Chorizo
- Chicken Spinach and Feta
Aidells chicken sausages provide a quick and flavorful protein option. But how long do they last after opening?
How Long Does Aidells Chicken Sausage Last Refrigerated?
According to Aidells and food safety recommendations, opened Aidells chicken sausage will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Once you open the package, freshness starts to decline. Keep the sausage tightly wrapped in its original packaging or an airtight container. Store it on a shelf rather than in the door, which experiences more temperature fluctuations.
After 3-5 days, the quality will diminish and bacteria can start growing rapidly. At this point, it’s best to throw out opened chicken sausage or freeze it if you want extended storage.
Unopened, Aidells chicken sausage will last until the use by or expiration date printed on the package. This date ranges from 6 weeks to 6 months from the packaging date.
For maximum freshness and quality, try to use unopened packages before this date. But as long as you freeze it before the use by date, it can safely last longer in the freezer.
Freezer Storage for Aidells Chicken Sausage
Freezing is the best way to extend the shelf life of Aidells chicken sausage. According to the brand, unopened Aidells chicken sausage can be frozen for up to 2-3 months past the use by date printed on the package.
To freeze:
-
Wrap sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn which can cause dryness and texture changes.
-
Place wrapped sausages in freezer bags, labeling the bag with the date. This makes it easy to track freshness.
-
Freeze at 0°F or below. Consistent freezing temps keeps quality higher.
Once thawed, frozen chicken sausage will last 3-5 days in the fridge. For food safety, do not refreeze chicken sausage after thawing.
With proper freezer storage, you can keep Aidells chicken sausage on hand for longer. Just remember to freeze it before the use by date and avoid refreezing once thawed.
How to Know If Aidells Chicken Sausage is Bad
Aidells chicken sausage can go bad before its use by date if not stored properly. Here are signs that your Aidells chicken sausage has spoiled and should be thrown out:
-
Slimy texture – Fresh sausage should be firm. Slime indicates bacteria growth.
-
Grey/green color – Normal color is tan/brown. Grey or green hues signal spoilage.
-
Off or sour smell – Sausage starts smelling unpleasant.
-
Mold – Mold growth, usually blueish or greenish fuzz, means sausage is past safe consumption.
-
Expired date – If sausage passes the use by or freeze by date before freezing, it’s at high risk of being spoiled.
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe and throw it out. Don’t risk food poisoning from consuming spoiled chicken sausage!
Storing Aidells Chicken Sausage For Maximum Freshness
To get the most out of your Aidells chicken sausage, proper storage is key. Here are some storage tips:
-
Refrigerate after opening – Keep opened sausage in the fridge at 40°F or below. Use within 3-5 days.
-
Wrap tightly – Keep unused portions tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or original packaging. This prevents air exposure.
-
Use freezer for longer storage – Freeze sausages before use by date for 2-3 months of freezer life.
-
Avoid temperature fluctuations – Don’t store sausage in the refrigerator door, which can rise in temperature as the door opens.
Proper refrigeration and freezing let you keep Aidells chicken sausage on hand while maintaining safety and the product’s quality.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Aidells Sausage
Have some leftover cooked Aidells chicken sausage? Whether linked or in bulk, don’t let it go to waste. Here are creative ways to use up that leftover sausage:
-
Breakfast scramble – Chop and add to eggs, vegetables, cheese for a protein and flavor boost.
-
Baked pasta – Slice and mix into baked ziti, lasagna or mac and cheese.
-
Pizza topping – Slice thinly and use instead of pepperoni or Italian sausage.
-
Sausage sandwiches – Fry and place on rolls with your favorite toppings.
-
Sausage gravy – Make a roux and add crumbled sausage, milk, herbs for biscuits and gravy.
-
Sausage chili – Brown sausage and add to your favorite chili recipe for extra flavor.
-
Sausage omelet – Dice and combine with eggs, cheese, and veggies for hearty omelets.
With a little creativity, you can transform leftover Aidells chicken sausage into tasty new dishes. No need to waste those leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about Aidells chicken sausage? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How long can I keep Aidells chicken sausage in the fridge once opened?
You can keep opened Aidells chicken sausage in the fridge for 3-5 days. After that, freeze or throw it out for safety.
Can I eat Aidells chicken sausage after the use by date if it was frozen?
Yes, as long as you froze it by the use by date, it will stay safe in the freezer up to 2-3 months past that date.
Should Aidells chicken sausage be fully thawed before cooking?
For food safety, it’s best to fully thaw sausage in the refrigerator before cooking. Microwaving to quickly thaw can lead to uneven cooking.
What is the white powder on Aidells chicken sausage?
The white powder is a natural bloom that forms from moisture loss. It is still safe to eat. Simply rinse or wipe it off before cooking if desired.
Can I refreeze Aidells chicken sausage after thawing?
For safety and quality, do not refreeze raw chicken sausage once thawed. Cook it within 3-5 days instead.
The Bottom Line
Aidells chicken sausages provide delicious flavor and convenience. Follow these guidelines to safely enjoy Aidells sausage:
- Refrigerate opened packages for 3-5 days
- Freeze unopened packages before use by date
- Check for signs of spoilage
- Store opened sausage wrapped in fridge
- Avoid refreezing thawed sausage
With proper storage and handling, you can keep Aidells chicken sausage on hand for quick meals while avoiding waste and foodborne illness. Just remember to use opened packages promptly and freeze extras before the use by date.