Chicken advice please

[minimoonumbertwo]

Evening all, our Christmas Day chicken has just been delivered but unfortunately the packaging has split. The best before date is 25.12.17 - do you think it's okay to leave until then to cook? (I've wrapped it tightly I cling film) or should I cook it tomorrow? Sorry for the extraordinarily dull post!!

[MsHippo]

It will be absolutely fine. Think about meat from the butchers, that often comes just wrapped in paper. They only thing you want to be carful of is that you don't contaminate any other food in your fridge, which you already are doing by wrapping in clingfilm!

[MsHippo]

As in you are already being careful! Not already contaminating...

[minimoonumbertwo]

Thank you so much Mshippo!! Happy Christmas!

[cantthinkofathing]

Did they deliver split? You should complain? Also, ridiculous that the use by date is the 25th! Doesn't that mean you have to use it before then?

Butchers chicken not the same. If your chicken was wrapped in an artificial atmosphere then you almost certainly have to cook now! (Assuming it didn't come damaged? If it did then it should be binned. Can't take chances with chicken 😕 )

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Oh, I thought this was going to be about Christmas treats for chickens

[worriedaboutchristmas]

I think it will be fine. Surely it's when the bird was slaughtered, and not what it's wrapped in that makes the difference? Just re wrap to ensure no cross contamination.

Itsall- I recommend cranberry's and pomegranate seeds in warm porridge as a Christmas treat for your chooks- they love it

[Weedsnseeds1]

It depends on the type of packaging. If it was in a rigid tray with an induction sealed film on top, chances are it was gas flushed to extend shelf life. Look for the words "packed in a modified atmosphere" on the label.
If it was gas flushed, it won't last until 25th without oxygen being excluded ( the gas, usually nitrogen is used to replace air in the pack so bacteria can't grow). Any other type of packaging it should be fine.

[kateandme]

no it will be fine.as long as its not been open to the eliments looong before it came to you?did it split before you got it.
the only problem would be on how it touches other foods wth raw meat.so just make sure there is nothing esposed or touching it.

[minimoonumbertwo]

Aaah, okay, thanks all, so perhaps I could cook it today, carve it then freeze? Don't fancy a roast chicken meal tonight then another on Monday! Should have just got a turkey...

[HardAsSnails]

You could freeze it uncooked and de-frost Christmas Eve ready to cook Christmas Day.

[minimoonumbertwo]

Good idea hardassnails, I can just treat it like normal then can't I?

[HardAsSnails]

Yes, you'll be able to cook it as usual once it's defrosted. Much nicer than defrosted cooked chicken.