How long can uncooked chicken sit in the refrigerator?

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Bacteria can multiply rapidly on raw chicken, even in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the higher the risk of food poisoning.

* Safety guidelines: The USDA recommends using raw chicken within 1-2 days of purchase.

* Quality: Chicken can start to lose its freshness and taste after a few days in the refrigerator.

For optimal safety, it's best to use chicken within 1 day of purchase. If you need to store it longer, freezing is the safest option.