Leftover chicken fajitas can typically stay fresh and safe to eat for 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. The key factors that determine leftover fajita shelf life are the ingredients, storage method, and handling.
Quick Answer
Leftover chicken fajitas will last for:
- 3-4 days in the fridge
- 2-3 months in the freezer
How Long Do Leftover Fajitas Last In The Fridge?
Properly stored, leftover chicken fajitas will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Here are some tips for maximizing leftover fajita fridge life:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store fajitas in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Make sure fajitas reach 40°F or below within the first 2 hours of refrigeration.
- Keep leftovers towards the back of the fridge, not the door.
- Avoid overcrowding the fridge which can hinder cold air circulation.
The different fajita ingredients like chicken, peppers, onions, tortillas, etc. may have slightly different shelf lives. However, following these fridge storage tips will generally allow leftover fajitas to stay fresh for 3-4 days.
How To Tell If Leftover Fajitas Are Bad?
You may notice some obvious signs that leftover fajitas have gone bad and should be thrown out. Discard fajitas if you notice:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Off odors
- Sour taste
Cooked chicken may take on a slightly grey color but this alone doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe to eat. Use your nose and taste buds as well to determine if fajitas are past their prime.
Can You Freeze Leftover Fajitas?
Yes, leftover fajitas can be frozen for long-term storage. When frozen properly in airtight containers or freezer bags, fajitas can last 2-3 months in the freezer.
To freeze fajitas for maximum freshness:
- Let fajitas cool completely before freezing.
- Portion fajitas into airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Label bags with contents and date.
- Freeze at 0°F or colder.
When ready to eat, thaw frozen fajitas in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, about 165°F for chicken. Do not refreeze fajitas once thawed.
How To Reheat Leftover Fajitas
Here are some tips for safely reheating leftover chicken fajitas:
- Stovetop: Place fajitas in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Microwave fajitas in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until hot, about 2-3 minutes total. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Oven: Bake fajitas in a 350°F oven on a sheet pan until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Avoid reheating more than once. Reheated fajitas won’t be quite as fresh but should retain good flavor and texture.
How Long Do Fajita Ingredients Last?
The different components of fajitas may have varying fridge life expectancies. Here’s a breakdown:
| Fajita Ingredient | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken | 3-4 days | 4-6 months |
| Cooked Steak | 3-4 days | 4-6 months |
| Cooked Shrimp | 3-4 days | 3-6 months |
| Bell Peppers | 5-7 days | 10-12 months |
| Onions | 1-2 weeks | 2-3 months |
| Tortillas | 5-7 days | 2-3 months |
| Guacamole | 3-5 days | Does not freeze well |
| Salsa | 5-7 days | 2-3 months |
| Sour Cream | 10-14 days | Does not freeze well |
As you can see, most fajita fillings will keep 3-4 days in the fridge. Onions, tortillas, salsas and sour cream may last a bit longer. For best quality, try to eat leftovers within 3-4 days.
How Long Do Fajita Components Last?
In addition to storage times for cooked fajitas, the shelf life of raw fajita ingredients is also important. Here are some general guidelines for maximum freshness:
- Raw chicken or steak: 1-2 days in the fridge, 4-12 months in the freezer
- Raw shrimp: 1-2 days in the fridge, 3-6 months in the freezer
- Bell peppers: 5-7 days in the fridge, 10-12 months in the freezer
- Onions: 2+ weeks in the fridge, 2-3 months in the freezer
- Tortillas: 1 week in the fridge, 1-3 months in the freezer
- Prepared guacamole: 3-5 days in the fridge
- Sour cream: 7-10 days in the fridge
- Salsa: 1 week in the fridge, 2-3 months in the freezer
Proper storage helps ingredients stay fresh until you’re ready to cook up some fajitas. Keeping raw meat chilled prevents bacteria growth.
Tips To Maximize Leftover Fajita Shelf Life
Here are some final tips for getting the most out of your leftover fajitas:
- Let fajitas cool before refrigerating or freezing.
- Divide into shallow containers to allow for faster cooling.
- Use cooler fridge temperatures around 34-36°F if possible.
- Avoid overfilling the fridge which can hinder cold air circulation.
- Practice good hygiene and food safety when handling fajitas.
- Label storage containers with dates.
- Use leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
Conclusion
Leftover chicken fajitas have a fridge shelf life of about 3 to 4 days when stored properly. For longer frozen storage, fajitas can be frozen for 2-3 months. Divide into airtight containers and keep frozen at 0°F. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Following proper storage methods and food safety practices will help maximize the freshness and shelf life of leftover fajitas.