Meat
Cooked

Cooked Game HenShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide

Sourced from
USDA FoodSafety.govUSDA FSIS

Pantry

Not Recommended

Unsafe

Cooked game hen should not be stored at pantry temperatures due to rapid bacterial growth.

Refrigerator

3-4 days

Refrigerate cooked game hen in shallow, covered containers or wrapped tightly to ensure rapid cooling and prevent cross-contamination. Store at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Freezer

3-4 months

For best quality, freeze cooked game hen in airtight freezer bags or containers. Label with the date. While safe indefinitely, quality decreases over time.

Signs of Spoilage

  • Sour or off odor
  • Slimy texture
  • Unusual discoloration (e.g., greenish or grayish)
  • Mold growth

Room Temperature Safety

2-hour rule (1 hour above 90°F/32°C)

40°F–140°F

Cooked game hen should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), it should not be left out for more than 1 hour. Discard any food left in the danger zone for too long.

Expert Tips

Safe Handling

1

Always wash hands with soap and water before and after handling raw or cooked poultry.

2

Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked poultry to prevent cross-contamination.

3

Ensure raw game hen is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

4

Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour if above 90°F/32°C).

5

Reheat cooked game hen to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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Comparisons

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