Chicken cacciatore is a delicious Italian chicken dish that is made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and herbs. It’s a flavorful meal that can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. But how long will chicken cacciatore last in the fridge before it goes bad?
Quick answer
Properly stored, cooked chicken cacciatore will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness and shelf life, store chicken cacciatore in an airtight container and make sure it reaches refrigerator temperature (40°F or below) within 2 hours of cooking.
How can you tell if chicken cacciatore has gone bad?
Here are some signs that chicken cacciatore has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat:
- It smells sour or unpleasant
- There is mold growth
- The color has changed significantly
- It has an off texture, such as very slimy chicken
Trust your senses – if chicken cacciatore smells bad or looks questionable, it’s best to throw it out.
What temperature should chicken cacciatore be kept at?
To maximize freshness and shelf life, chicken cacciatore should be kept at 40°F or below in the refrigerator. At this temperature range, cooked chicken and tomatoes stay fresh and bacteria growth is slowed.
Does chicken cacciatore freeze well?
Yes, chicken cacciatore freezes very well. To freeze:
- Let the chicken cacciatore cool completely.
- Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Label with name and freeze date.
- Freeze for up to 3-4 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips for leftovers
Here are some tips for storing and reheating leftover chicken cacciatore:
- Let chicken cacciatore cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent temperature changes that can accelerate spoilage.
- Store in shallow airtight containers so it cools quickly in the fridge.
- Use leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, 165°F.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the cacciatore seems dry.
- Don’t reheat more than once.
What are the shelf lives of common ingredients?
Here are the typical shelf lives of ingredients commonly used in chicken cacciatore when stored properly in the fridge:
| Ingredient | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken | 3-4 days |
| Tomato sauce/crushed tomatoes | 5-7 days |
| Mushrooms | 1 week |
| Bell peppers | 5-7 days |
| Onions | 1-2 weeks |
| Garlic | A few weeks |
The ingredient with the shortest fridge life will determine how long the overall dish stays fresh. Since cooked chicken only lasts 3-4 days, that’s the shelf life of homemade chicken cacciatore stored in the fridge.
How can you make chicken cacciatore last longer?
There are a few tricks to extending the fridge life of chicken cacciatore:
- Use chicken that is freshly cooked. Don’t use chicken that is already 3-4 days old.
- Portion into smaller, shallow containers for quicker cooling in the fridge.
- Make sure your fridge is kept at 40°F or below.
- Use leftovers within 3 days for maximum freshness.
- Or, freeze in airtight containers for longer storage.
Proper cooling, storage, and handling are key to getting the most shelf life out of chicken cacciatore.
Can you reheat chicken cacciatore?
Yes, leftover chicken cacciatore can be safely reheated and enjoyed within 3 to 4 days of refrigeration. Follow these tips for safe reheating:
- Reheat chicken cacciatore thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This kills any bacteria that may have grown.
- Bring cacciatore to a gentle simmer on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Or reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring periodically.
- Avoid reheating chicken cacciatore more than once.
- Don’t reheat an entire batch more than once. Portion into individual servings and reheat one serving at a time.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the cacciatore seems too thick.
Properly reheated chicken cacciatore is safe to eat, though the texture and moisture will degrade over time. It’s best when freshly made.
How to store chicken cacciatore
Follow these tips for properly storing leftover chicken cacciatore:
- Cool: Let chicken cacciatore cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Large batches of hot food can raise fridge temperature and negatively affect other foods.
- Portion: Divide cacciatore into shallow containers rather than one large deep container. This promotes faster, more even cooling.
- Cover: Use airtight lids or plastic wrap. This prevents moisture loss and keeps out fridge odors.
- Label: Label containers with name and date. Eat within 3 to 4 days.
- Don’t overfill: Don’t pack containers too full. Leave room for airflow.
- placement: Place containers on upper shelves of the fridge where the temperature is coldest.
Following proper storage methods will help maintain food safety and quality.
Can you freeze chicken cacciatore?
Freezing is a great way to preserve leftover chicken cacciatore for longer storage. Here’s how:
- Let chicken cacciatore fully cool before freezing.
- Portion into shallow airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Squeeze out excess air and seal tightly.
- Label with name and freeze date.
- Freeze for up to 3 to 4 months.
For best quality, use frozen chicken cacciatore within 3-4 months. It will still be safe to eat beyond that but the texture deteriorates over time in the freezer.
Tips for freezing
- Leave 1-inch headspace in containers for expansion.
- Use shallow containers no more than 4 inches deep for fast freezing.
- Double wrap freezer bags for extra leak protection.
- Lay bags flat in a single layer while freezing.
- Once frozen, bags can be stacked or stood up.
With proper freezing techniques, you can enjoy delicious chicken cacciatore for months.
How to thaw frozen chicken cacciatore
Here are some safe methods for thawing frozen chicken cacciatore:
Refrigerator thawing
- This is the preferred method. Thaw in the fridge overnight or up to 2 days.
- Place frozen chicken cacciatore in the fridge in a container to catch drips.
- Once thawed, use within 3-4 days.
Cold water thawing
- Seal chicken cacciatore in a bag then submerge in cold water.
- Change water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
- Cook immediately once thawed; don’t refreeze.
Microwave thawing
- Thaw frozen chicken cacciatore in the microwave using defrost setting.
- Cook immediately after thawing.
Always cook thawed chicken cacciatore immediately. Do not refreeze food that has been thawed.
Conclusion
Chicken cacciatore is a delicious Italian chicken dish that can be kept in the fridge safely for 3 to 4 days when stored properly. Keep chicken cacciatore refrigerated at 40°F or below in shallow, covered containers. Use leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality. Frozen chicken cacciatore will last for 3-4 months in the freezer. Thaw safely in the refrigerator, microwave, or cold water before reheating. With proper storage and handling, you can safely keep and enjoy leftover chicken cacciatore.