How do you know if chicken pieces are bad?

Smell:

* Sour or putrid: This is a major red flag. Bad chicken will have a strong, unpleasant odor that's hard to miss.

* Ammonia-like: This smell indicates that the chicken has started to decompose.

Appearance:

* Discoloration: Raw chicken should be a light, pale pink to white. Any green, gray, or yellow discoloration is a sign of spoilage.

* Slime: A slimy or sticky coating on the surface of the chicken is another indicator of spoilage.

* Texture: Fresh chicken should be firm and springy to the touch. If it feels mushy or spongy, it's likely gone bad.

Other Signs:

* Expired "Sell-by" Date: While not a guarantee of spoilage, it's a good indication that the chicken is nearing its expiration.

* Unusual Packaging: If the packaging is torn, punctured, or shows signs of leakage, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard the chicken.

Important Note: If you're unsure about the freshness of your chicken, it's always better to throw it away. Food poisoning from spoiled chicken can be serious.

Storing Chicken Properly:

* Refrigerate: Keep raw chicken refrigerated at 40°F or below.

* Use within 1-2 days: Raw chicken is best used within 1-2 days of purchase.

* Freezing: You can freeze chicken for longer storage, but make sure it's properly packaged and labeled.

If you have any doubts, err on the side of caution and throw away the chicken. Your health is more important!