Can you cook chicken breasts four days after use by date?

It's generally not recommended to cook chicken breasts four days after the "use by" date.

Here's why:

* "Use by" dates are guidelines: They indicate the peak freshness and quality of the product. After that date, the quality starts to decline.

* Spoilage risk: Bacteria can multiply in raw chicken even when refrigerated, and this risk increases the longer it's stored.

* Food poisoning: Eating spoiled chicken can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

To be safe, it's best to follow these guidelines:

* Cook chicken within 1-2 days of the "use by" date: This is generally the safest time frame.

* Inspect the chicken thoroughly: Look for any signs of spoilage like discoloration, a foul odor, or slimy texture.

* Refrigerate chicken properly: Store it at 40°F or below.

* Cook chicken thoroughly: The internal temperature should reach 165°F to kill harmful bacteria.

If you're unsure about the safety of chicken, err on the side of caution and discard it. It's better to be safe than sorry.