Why does raw chicken have a limited shelf life in the fridge, but if you cook it, it can sit for days and be fine?

Question

Why does raw chicken have a limited shelf life in the fridge, but if you cook it, it can sit for days and be fine?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Both have a limited shelf life. Raw chicken can remain in the fridge for 1-2 days and cooked chicken can remain in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Cooking food kills any bacteria that may be in or on it. Cooking also reduces moisture and typically adds things like salt which also make it less hospitable to pathogens. But it bacteria and such can still grow on it, just at a slower rate, hence the longer shelf life.