Final answer:
Chilled bone-in chicken has a refrigerator shelf life of 1 to 2 days. If frozen, it can last up to 9 months while still retaining good quality, but it is safe to eat indefinitely if kept consistently frozen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shelf life for chilled chicken with the bone in when packaged is generally 1 to 2 days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). To ensure the safety and quality of the chicken, it is advised to use or freeze it within this timeframe.
If you plan to freeze the chicken, the shelf life can be extended to up to 9 months for optimal quality. However, frozen chicken remains safe to eat indefinitely as long as it is kept at a constant 0°F (-18°C) or below, but the quality may degrade over time.