Quick Answer
Cooked chicken that has been refrigerated in an airtight container can last 3-4 days in the fridge for meal prep. However, for maximum freshness and food safety, it’s best to eat refrigerated cooked chicken within 3 days. After 3 days, the quality starts to decline as the chicken dries out. Freezing cooked chicken can extend its lifespan. Frozen cooked chicken will keep for 2-6 months in the freezer.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, cooked chicken can last for 3 to 4 days.
Here are more details on how long cooked chicken lasts in the fridge:
- Freshly cooked chicken: 3 to 4 days
- Cooked chicken leftovers: 3 to 4 days
- Rotisserie chicken: 3 to 4 days
- Cooked chicken pieces: 3 to 4 days
- Shredded cooked chicken: 3 to 4 days
- Chicken soup or stew: 3 to 4 days
- Cooked chicken casseroles: 3 to 4 days
The USDA recommends consuming refrigerated cooked chicken within 3 days for best quality. After 3 days, the texture and flavor of the chicken will start to degrade.
While it may still be safe to eat refrigerated cooked chicken for up to 4 days if it has been handled properly, the taste, moisture and texture quality declines each day it is stored in the fridge.
How to Store Cooked Chicken in the Fridge
To maximize the shelf life of cooked chicken in the refrigerator, follow these tips:
- Store chicken in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Make sure it is completely sealed to prevent contamination.
- Refrigerate chicken within 2 hours of cooking. Do not leave chicken at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
- Ensure your fridge temperature is 40°F or below. Use a fridge thermometer to check.
- Place chicken on a shelf toward the back of the fridge, rather than in the door where the temperature fluctuates more.
- Serve chicken within 3 days for the best flavor, moisture and texture.
Proper storage helps minimize bacteria growth and keeps cooked chicken fresher for longer.
How to Tell if Cooked Chicken is Bad
Here are some signs that indicate your refrigerated cooked chicken has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Slimy texture or slick appearance
- Graying color or dull, faded appearance
- Strange odor that is unpleasant or sour
- Mold growing on the chicken
- Chicken feels tacky or sticky
- Dry, shriveled, or hard chicken pieces
Discard cooked chicken if it exhibits any of those signs of spoilage after refrigeration. It is always better to be safe than sick when dealing with food safety.
How Long Does Chicken Last in the Freezer?
Freezing cooked chicken is an excellent way to extend its shelf life beyond the standard 3-4 days in the fridge.
Here is how long cooked chicken lasts in the freezer:
- Cooked chicken pieces or parts: 4 to 6 months
- Cooked chicken casseroles: 2 to 3 months
- Cooked chicken soup or stock: 2 to 3 months
- Shredded cooked chicken: 2 to 3 months
- Chicken gravy: 2 to 3 months
For best quality, freeze cooked chicken in air-tight freezer bags or containers. Make sure to label the chicken with the date. Defrost chicken overnight in the fridge before using.
Does Cooking Kill Bacteria on Chicken?
Proper cooking kills bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter that can contaminate raw chicken. Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer to be considered safe to eat.
At 165°F and above, the high temperature effectively kills harmful bacteria including Salmonella, E. Coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria, which can cause foodborne illness if chicken is undercooked.
While cooking chicken to the recommended safe internal temperature removes bacteria present on the raw chicken, contamination can still occur after cooking through improper food handling and storage.
To keep cooked chicken safe from bacteria after cooking:
- Never leave cooked chicken out at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
- Store chicken in the fridge in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken separate from cooked.
- Refrigerate leftovers as shallow containers for faster cooling.
- Reheat cooked chicken thoroughly to 165°F before serving.
Following proper refrigeration guidelines and food safety practices helps prevent bacterial growth after cooking.
How Many Days Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge Chart
| Cooked Chicken Type | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Freshly cooked chicken | 3-4 days | 4-6 months |
| Leftover cooked chicken | 3-4 days | 4-6 months |
| Rotisserie chicken | 3-4 days | 4-6 months |
| Chicken pieces | 3-4 days | 4-6 months |
| Shredded chicken | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Chicken casseroles | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Chicken soup | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
Tips for Meal Prep with Chicken
Chicken is a versatile ingredient for meal prepping. Here are some tips for preparing chicken in advance for quick, healthy meals throughout the week:
- Cook chicken in bulk – Bake, grill or poach a large batch of chicken breasts, thighs or legs.
- Portion into individual servings in containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Shred or dice cooked chicken for easy addition to salads, wraps, bowls and more.
- Make chicken salads or casseroles ahead in single-serve portions.
- Combine cooked chicken with roasted veggies and grains like rice, quinoa or couscous for meal prep bowls.
- Use in soups, stews, curries and chilis that store well for lunches and dinners.
- Freeze any chicken you won’t use within 4 days for longer storage.
Proper refrigeration and reheating will keep prepped chicken meals safe to eat all week long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge unopened?
Unopened cooked chicken that was properly packaged and refrigerated immediately after cooking can last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage before eating.
Can you get food poisoning from cooked chicken left out overnight?
Yes, you can get food poisoning from eating cooked chicken that has been left out at room temperature overnight. Bacteria like Salmonella can multiply quickly on perishable foods like chicken when left for more than 2 hours at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. Refrigerate or freeze chicken within 2 hours.
Does cooking old chicken make it safe to eat?
Cooking old chicken that has been in the fridge too long does not necessarily make it safe to eat. Chicken that has gone bad from sitting too long in the fridge may have high bacterial levels and a poor texture and flavor. It is best to discard chicken that is past the recommended storage times, even if cooked.
Can I freeze cooked chicken twice?
It is not recommended to freeze cooked chicken twice. Freezing cooked chicken a second time after thawing can lead to quality issues like poor texture. For best quality and safety, store leftover cooked chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for 2-6 months depending on the type.
Conclusion
To summarize, fresh cooked chicken can safely last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in airtight containers. To extend the shelf life, freeze cooked chicken for between 2 to 6 months depending on the cut. Check refrigerated chicken within 3 days for signs of spoilage and discard if it has an off smell, texture or appearance. Following food safety guidelines helps prevent illness from eating spoiled cooked chicken. With proper refrigeration and freezing, cooked chicken can be enjoyed within meals for several days after cooking.