How Long Does Cooked Chicken Really Last In The Fridge?
Find out if it's time to toss those leftovers.
Fact checked by Khara ScheppmannMedically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS, MPA, RDN, LD, CLT
Whether it was roasted on a rotisserie, fried in a skillet, or baked in the oven, any type of cooked chicken is a good thing to have on hand in the refrigerator. Even if the rest of the fridge is almost bare, you can still cobble together a simple chicken salad out of cooked chicken and a few pantry staples. Shredded rotisserie chicken can also upgrade your usual tossed salad from side dish to entrée. And if you haven't experienced the joy of eating a piece of cold fried chicken straight from the fridge, you should fix that right now. Just make sure you know how long the chicken has been in there.
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Chicken In The Fridge?
If stored properly (in a ziplock storage bag or sealed container), the USDA says that cooked chicken can last three to four days in the refrigerator. And that goes for any type of cooked chicken—store-bought, homemade, or restaurant leftovers.
However, you need to get leftover chicken into the refrigerator quickly for it to last. Always put chicken in the fridge within two hours to keep it safe.
How To Tell If Chicken Is Still Good
No matter how old it is, if your chicken starts to look off-color, appear slimy, or smell bad, it's time to throw it out. Of course, chicken that's been marinated or drenched in sauce may not give you telltale clues that it's spoiling. If you have the unfortunate experience of taking a bite and something tastes off, pitch your chicken in the trash. If you're just not sure, the safest bet is to follow the rule of throwing out any leftovers after three days.
When You Should Freeze Leftover Chicken
If you have a lot of leftover chicken and don't think you will eat it within four days, your best bet is to freeze it. Place the chicken in a ziplock freezer bag and press out as much air as possible before sealing it. Then freeze the chicken for up to four months. If frozen properly, the chicken will be edible indefinitely, but the longer it sits in the freezer, the higher the chance that the flavor and texture will deteriorate.
How To Defrost Leftover Chicken
Defrost frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven as needed. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces if possible and spread a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a lid or damp paper towel before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does rotisserie chicken last in the fridge?
Rotisserie chicken lasts for up to four days if cooked and stored correctly. Keep the chicken in an airtight container or Zip-loc bag, and do not consume leftover chicken if left at room temperature for an extended time.
How long does rotisserie chicken keep in the freezer?
According to the USDA, rotisserie chicken keeps for up to four months when stored in an airtight container in the freezer. The longer rotisserie chicken stays in the freezer, the more likely it will lose its flavoring and texture.
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