Pre-cooked chicken can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. However, there are many factors that affect how long pre-cooked chicken will stay fresh and safe to eat. This article provides guidelines on how to determine if pre-cooked chicken is still good and how long it will last refrigerated.
What is considered pre-cooked chicken?
Pre-cooked chicken refers to any chicken that has already been cooked and is ready to eat or just needs reheating. This includes:
- Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store
- Shredded or diced cooked chicken
- Chicken that is fully cooked but not reheated yet, like a grocery store roasted chicken
- Cooked chicken pieces or cutlets
- Refrigerated cooked chicken products like chicken tenders, nuggets, or strips
As long as the chicken has already reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F, it is considered pre-cooked.
How long does pre-cooked chicken last in the fridge?
In general, pre-cooked chicken that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for 3 to 4 days after cooking.
Here are some more specific guidelines for fridge life of pre-cooked chicken:
- Whole rotisserie chicken: 3 to 4 days
- Cut or shredded chicken: 3 to 4 days
- Cooked chicken pieces/cutlets: 3 to 4 days
- Cooked chicken strips, nuggets, etc: 1 to 2 days
The more processed or manipulated the chicken, the shorter its fridge life. Pieces that have been cut up or shredded have more surface area exposed to air and potential contaminants. Highly processed products like chicken nuggets also usually contain more preservatives when purchased pre-cooked.
Does pre-cooked chicken need to be reheated?
It is not absolutely necessary to reheat pre-cooked chicken before eating it if it has been handled and refrigerated properly. However, reheating will help improve flavor and make the texture more appealing. It also reduces risk of foodborne illness.
Chicken that is eaten cold right out of the refrigerator should be consumed soon after cooking, within 3-4 days. Chicken that is reheated until steaming hot immediately before serving can last the full 3-4 days if kept refrigerated.
How to store pre-cooked chicken
Proper storage is crucial for maximizing the shelf life and safety of pre-cooked chicken. Here are some tips for storage:
- Refrigerate chicken in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.
- Store chicken towards the back of the fridge, not in the door.
- Keep cooked chicken separated or above raw meats to avoid cross-contamination.
- Once opened, use rotisserie chicken within 3-5 days.
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces or shred before refrigerating to allow it to cool quickly.
- Never leave chicken sitting out at room temperature more than 2 hours.
How to tell if pre-cooked chicken is bad
Although properly handled pre-cooked chicken can last 3-4 days in the fridge, it is important to watch for signs of spoilage. Here are ways to identify bad pre-cooked chicken:
- Slimy texture or sticky residue on the surface
- Off odors that smell sour or unpleasant
- Change in color, such as chicken turning gray
- Unusual dark or dull coloring of chicken skin
- Presence of mold or white film on chicken
- Dry, shriveled meat
When chicken displays any signs of spoilage, it is best to throw it away. Cooking and reheating does not destroy the bacteria that causes chicken to go bad.
How to freeze and thaw pre-cooked chicken safely
For longer term storage beyond 3-4 days, pre-cooked chicken can be frozen. Follow these guidelines for safe freezing and thawing:
- Divide chicken into smaller portions in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label bags with contents and date.
- Freeze immediately after packaging, not allowing chicken to sit.
- Store frozen chicken towards back of freezer where temperature remains most constant.
- Once thawed, do not refreeze chicken.
- Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for every 5 pounds.
- You can also thaw in cold water changed every 30 minutes. Cook immediately.
- Never thaw chicken at room temperature or in hot water.
Properly frozen chicken maintains quality for 2-6 months but keeps indefinitely frozen. Always cook thawed chicken immediately and do not refreeze.
Can you eat spoiled pre-cooked chicken?
It is not recommended to eat chicken that smells bad, is slimy, or shows any signs of spoilage. Eating spoiled chicken can lead to food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella, listeria, or E. coli. The risks include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Severe dehydration
Certain groups have higher risk for complications from foodborne illness like the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
If you suspect you have eaten spoiled chicken, seek medical care immediately. Try to retain a sample of the chicken for testing.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
| Type of Chicken | Refrigerator |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 3-4 days |
| Chicken pieces | 3-4 days |
| Shredded/cut chicken | 3-4 days |
| Chicken strips/nuggets | 1-2 days |
As this table shows, most cooked chicken lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge if properly stored in sealed containers. The exception is processed chicken products like nuggets which have a shorter fridge life of just 1-2 days.
Can you freeze and reheat chicken?
Chicken that has been previously cooked can safely be frozen and reheated multiple times. Follow these guidelines:
- Cool chicken completely before freezing.
- Portion chicken into freezer-safe packaging, removing air.
- Freeze right away, keeping frozen chicken at 0°F or below.
- Thaw chicken in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat fully to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Only reheat once, do not refreeze reheated chicken.
As long as these steps are taken, cooked chicken can be frozen, thawed, and reheated without compromising safety or quality. Reheating chicken until steaming hot will restore flavor and moisture.
Conclusion
Pre-cooked chicken that has been continuously refrigerated will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. If chicken is frozen properly and thawed in the refrigerator, it can be reheated and eaten within that same timeframe after cooking. Be sure to check for signs of spoilage and never eat chicken that smells bad or feels slimy. Following food safety guidelines will keep pre-cooked chicken safe and enjoyable to eat.