The best way is to smell and look at the chicken: signs of bad chicken are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any chicken with an off smell or appearance. read more
(Same goes for turkey and other poultry.) If you store it in the freezer in a sealed, freezer-safe container or vacuum-sealed package, it should stay safe to thaw and eat for up to 9 months, in pieces, or up to 12 months, for a whole chicken. Cooked chicken: You have a little more time, but not much. read more