Sour, rotten, or ammonia-like smell
Slimy or sticky texture
Gray, green, or dull discoloration
Mold or unusual spots
Packaging is swollen, leaking, or damaged
Meat feels excessively tacky or mushy
Off taste after cooking
Past the use-by date
Left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Left out for more than 1 hour in hot weather
Unusual gas release when package is opened
Cooked chicken stored too long in the fridge
Frozen chicken with heavy freezer burn and bad odor
Any sign of spoilage if you are unsure, discard it