If you’re wondering how long does cooked chicken last in the fridge, you’re not alone.
It’s important to know how long you can safely store leftover cooked chicken to avoid foodborne illness.
According to the USDA, cooked chicken should be used within three to four days if kept refrigerated at 40°F or below.
The length of time cooked chicken lasts in the fridge can depend on a few factors.
How the chicken was prepared and processed can affect its shelf life.
Additionally, the temperature of your fridge can also play a role.
It’s important to store cooked chicken in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent bacteria growth and extend its shelf life.
If you’re not sure if your cooked chicken is still good to eat, there are a few signs to look out for.
Spoiled chicken may have a sour or rancid smell, a slimy texture, or a change in color.
When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
By following proper storage and handling techniques, you can enjoy your cooked chicken for several days while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
If you have leftover cooked chicken, it’s important to know how long it will last in the fridge to avoid foodborne illness.
Here are some factors that affect the shelf life of cooked chicken.
Storage Temperature
The temperature of your fridge is crucial when it comes to storing cooked chicken.
The USDA recommends storing cooked chicken at a temperature of 40°F or below.
If the temperature of your fridge is higher than this, it can increase the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage.
Storage Method
The way you store cooked chicken can also affect its shelf life.
It’s best to store cooked chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
This will help prevent air and moisture from getting in, which can cause bacterial growth.
Initial Cooking Temperature
The initial cooking temperature of the chicken can also affect how long it will last in the fridge.
It’s important to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.
If the chicken is not cooked to this temperature, it can increase the risk of foodborne illness and spoilage.
Here’s a summary of how long cooked chicken can last in the fridge:
| Type of Cooked Chicken | Fridge Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Roasted chicken | 3-4 days |
| Fried chicken | 3-4 days |
| Grilled chicken | 3-4 days |
| Chicken salad | 3-4 days |
| Chicken nuggets/patties | 3-4 days |
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and the shelf life of cooked chicken can vary based on factors such as storage temperature and method.
When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw out any cooked chicken that has been in the fridge for too long.
Signs of Spoiled Cooked Chicken
When it comes to cooked chicken, it’s important to be able to identify the signs of spoilage.
Eating spoiled chicken can lead to foodborne illnesses that can make you seriously ill.
Here are some signs to look out for:
Smell
One of the first signs that cooked chicken has gone bad is a strong, unpleasant odor.
If the chicken smells sour, rancid, or just plain off, it’s time to throw it away.
Trust your nose, and don’t take any chances.
Texture
Spoiled cooked chicken can feel slimy or sticky to the touch.
If the chicken feels tacky or slimy, it’s a sign that bacteria have started to grow.
This is a sure sign that the chicken is no longer safe to eat.
Color
Another sign that cooked chicken has gone bad is a change in color.
Spoiled chicken may look gray or green, and it may have a slimy film on the surface.
If the chicken looks discolored or slimy, it’s time to get rid of it.
In summary, if your cooked chicken smells bad, feels slimy, or looks discolored, it’s time to toss it out.
Don’t take any chances with spoiled chicken, as it can make you seriously ill.
Proper Storage Techniques For Cooked Chicken
When it comes to storing cooked chicken, it is important to follow proper techniques to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat.
Here are some tips for storing cooked chicken:
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is the most common method of storing cooked chicken.
To properly store cooked chicken in the fridge, follow these steps:
- Allow the cooked chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it in the fridge.
- This will prevent the chicken from raising the temperature of your fridge and potentially spoiling other food items.
- Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Label the container or wrap it with the date that the chicken was cooked.
- Store the chicken in the fridge at a temperature of 40°F or below.
- Use the chicken within 3-4 days.
Freezing
If you have leftover cooked chicken that you won’t be able to eat within 3-4 days, freezing is a great option.
To freeze cooked chicken, follow these steps:
- Allow the cooked chicken to cool down to room temperature before freezing.
- Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date that the chicken was cooked.
- Store the chicken in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F or below.
- Frozen cooked chicken can be stored for up to 3 months.
It is important to note that you should never refreeze cooked chicken that has already been thawed.
Once thawed, the chicken should be used within 2 days.
Additionally, if the chicken has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded.
By following these proper storage techniques, you can ensure that your cooked chicken stays fresh and safe to eat.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to storing cooked chicken in the fridge, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Here are some takeaways to help you keep your chicken fresh and safe to eat:
- Cooked chicken should be refrigerated at 40°F (or less) and used within 3-4 days.
- Chicken salad, chicken nuggets and patties, and leftover cooked (roasted, sautéed, fried) chicken can last in your fridge between three and four days.
- Cooked chicken will last three to four days in the refrigerator, and two to three months in the freezer.
- Bacteria can still grow even at refrigerated temperatures, so it’s important to store cooked chicken properly in an airtight container, like a zip-top plastic bag or glass storage container.
- If you’re unsure whether cooked chicken is still safe to eat, use your senses to check for signs of spoilage such as a strange odor, slimy texture, or unusual color. When in doubt, throw it out.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your cooked chicken stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.