HELP!!!! Can I leave processed birds on ice water overnight?

[Little Cluckers]

The vacuum seal bags that I got are not quite big enough and they are not sealing.

Which is the best option:

1) leave on ice until target opens tomorrow
2) dry off all birds and put in fridge until I can seal them tomorrow

Thanks!

 

[Kittymomma]

I'd dry them off and cover the bowl (or whatever you're going to put them in) with plastic wrap and stick them in the fridge. That's how I let my birds 'rest' for 2-3 days after butchering before I freeze or cook them.

 

[Little Cluckers]

OK

I will dry 'em and put them in the fridge. Right now they are in one of those huge home depot tubs!
Ugh, my back.......

Thank you!!!

 

[Judy]

They shouldn't be unsafe or anything if you leave them on ice overnight -- but they will soak up some water and that's not necessarily the best route to a tasty chicken. I agree the best choice would be cold dry covered storage, if you have the space. Or lots of ice or a cold night so there will be minimal water in the cooler with them.

 

[terri9630]

Lots of people will soak them in a brine for a day or so. That could be a option for you. I have put the birds in an ice chest in the tub with the drain plug open to drain the water so they weren't sitting in water.

 

[Ibicella]

I just wrap them in a plastic grocery bag and put them in the fridge to let them rest.

 

[RoosterGeek]

I'm interested in this as well. It was my understanding that you let them rest in ice water for a few days.


How does everyone else do it? My wife and I are thinking about getting two of those rubbermaid TUFF trashcans and letting the birds chill out in there.

 

[Omniskies]

I usually just freeze them while wet. Soaking them in an ice water brine for a day is fine. The meat will absorb water, so if left too long it could become mushy (I've never noticed it on raw chicken - just on cooked chicken left in stock for too long).

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
I rinse them really well in cold water and then chill them in clean ice water, but take them out after 15-20 minutes when they're chilled and then dry them off and put them in the fridge for a few days to rest. I know some people brine them, but I've never done it so I'm not sure how long they leave them in the brine.