How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
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Leftover cooked chicken can make a quick meal or be transformed into a delicious new recipe. Find out how long cooked chicken lasts in the fridge along with tips for storage and use!
Whether it’s been fried, baked or roasted in a rotisserie, cooked chicken is a versatile leftover to have on hand in the fridge. You can use it to make a soup, salad, sandwich or casserole. But it also makes a quick and easy meal by itself!
How to Store Cooked Chicken in the Fridge
To maintain the quality of cooked chicken, store it in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. You can also wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then make sure to refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Bacteria can grow rapidly at 40-140°F (4-60°C). So if your cooked chicken has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, refrigerated cooked chicken is safe to eat for 3-4 days when stored properly. This applies to homemade chicken as well as store-bought and restaurant takeout. The only exceptions are chicken nuggets and patties, which are more perishable and only last 1-2 days in the fridge.
If you want the cooked chicken to last longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Press out excess air before sealing and then label with the date for ready reference (I use masking tape and a marker). The night before you need it, remove from the freezer to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When is Leftover Cooked Chicken Still Safe to Eat?
- Check the color: If it has turned gray or has dark spots, it may not be safe to eat.
- Check the smell: If it has a sour or off odor, discard it immediately.
- Check the texture: If it is slimy or has a sticky film on it, it may be spoiled and should be thrown away.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to leftover chicken. If you’re unsure about its safety, it’s better to throw it out and avoid the risk of food poisoning.
How to Reheat Leftover Chicken
You can reheat the leftover chicken in the oven, stovetop, or microwave:
- Reheat in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
- Reheat on the Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes or until it’s heated through, flipping it occasionally.
- Reheat in Microwave: Place the leftover chicken on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per piece of chicken or until it’s heated through.
Regardless of which method you choose, make sure the chicken is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating.
How to Use Up Leftover Cooked Chicken in Other Recipes
Leftover cooked chicken is a convenient ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. You can use it in soups, quesadillas, sandwiches, tacos, lo mein, stir-fry, and casseroles, or add it to chicken salad and chicken pot pie.
How Long Does Different Types of Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge
Whether you are storing cooked whole chicken, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken wings, they can last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Baked chicken, fried, or grilled can also last about 4 days if you are stored properly. However, chicken salad usually last about 3 days in the fridge.
How to Tell Whether Chicken Has Gone Bad
When the chicken has gone bad, it often has a sour smell and takes on a gray color. However, it’s sometimes difficult to tell from the smell or appearance. Don’t taste it when you’re in doubt.
To be safe, discard cooked chicken that’s been at room temperature for more than 2 hours or in the fridge for more than 3-4 days (1-2 days for patties and nuggets). Bacteria such as salmonella may be present and cause food poisoning especially if the chicken was not cooked properly.
Note that uncooked or raw chicken only lasts 1-2 days in the fridge.
How to Store Cooked Chicken in the Freezer Properly
Let the chicken cool down to room temperature first. Then place it in a freezer-friendly bag. Place the bag in the coldest part of the freezer.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Freezer
Cooked chicken can last for up to 4 months in the freezer if it is stored properly.
How to Defrost Cooked Chicken
We recommend thaw the frozen cooked chicken in the fridge. Transfer the chicken to the refrigerator and let it thaw for 24-48 hours.
Recipes Using Leftover Chicken
FAQ
Can I Eat Cooked Chicken After 5 days?
We don’t recommend eating the leftover chicken after 5 days as there is an increased risk of bacterial growth and spoilage, which can cause foodborne illness.
How Long is It Safe to Eat Leftover Chicken?
Leftover cooked chicken is safe to eat for up to 4 days if it has been stored properly.
Can I eat Cooked Chicken After 10 Hours When Left at Room Temperature?
No. You cannot eat the cooked chicken that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This is because bacteria can start to grow on the chicken and cause food poisoning.
Can I Eat Leftover Chicken After 7 Days?
No, you cannot eat leftover chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator for more than 4 days according to USDA.
How Long is Cooked Shredded Chicken Good For in the Fridge?
Cooked shredded chicken can last for up to 4 days in the fridge. If you’re unsure if your chicken is still good to eat, check for any signs of spoilage, such as a sour or off smell, slimy texture, or strange color. If you detect any of these signs, it’s best to discard the chicken.
How Long Do Cooked Chicken Breasts Last in the Fridge?
Cooked chicken breasts can last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored properly.
How Long Do Cooked Chicken Thighs Last in the Fridge?
Cooked chicken thighs can last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored properly.
How Long Can Chicken Meal Prep Last in the Fridge?
Chicken meal prep can last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored properly.
How to Reheat Leftover Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 pounds leftover cooked chicken
- 1 cup chicken broth
- optional fresh herbs, such as thyme and rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, placing the oven rack in the lower middle position. Fit an oven-safe baking dish with a trivet or small wire rack (if available).
- place the leftover into the prepared pan. Add optional herbs on top and pour broth into the pan.
- Cover the chicken loosely with foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (15 to 20 minutes if using convection/forced air).
- Remove the foil and bake for 5 minutes more.
- Use kitchen tongs to transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Serve immediately.
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I made chicken on Friday and it is sitting in a broth in a glass container. It has been 3 full days…can I serve to my child?
Hi Janelle, Thanks for your question and no, you should not serve it as 3 days is too long. Hope that helps!
Bought fried chicken, came home and stuck in fridge. Chicken was packed air tight plastic container. That was 3 weeks ago. Live alone and “forgot”. Have some friends coming tonight. May I safely serve that chicken, after reheating ?
Hi David, Thanks for your question. The storage guideline for refrigerated cooked chicken is 3-4 days, so 3 weeks is way too long! Definitely discard it all! Hope that helps.
Hi
I cooked a risotto with chicken 6 days ago. I refridgerated reminds. Is it still ok to eat
Hi there, 6 days is too long for cooked chicken, especially in a risotto. You should discard it. 🙁