Whether it was roasted on a rotisserie, fried in a skillet, or baked in the oven, leftover chicken is a good thing to have on hand, as long as you know how long cooked chicken lasts in the fridge. (It doesn’t last forever.) The good news is that cooked chicken lasts a few days in the refrigerator, and it can be frozen for longer storage if it won’t be used by then.
Here, we’ll explain not only how long different types of cooked chicken last in the fridge, but also how to store it in the fridge properly, and recipes for using it up.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last In The Fridge?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that cooked chicken can last three to four days in the refrigerator, if stored at 40°F or lower. And that goes for any type of cooked chicken—store-bought, homemade, ground, shredded, whole, rotisserie, or restaurant leftovers.
Will cooked chicken be OK if refrigerated for five days? The longer cooked chicken sits in the refrigerator, the greater the risk of increased bacterial growth because refrigerating only slows bacterial growth and doesn’t stop it. So if you prep your lunches for the whole week at one time, make sure to use any that contain cooked chicken early in the week.
How Long Do Chicken Products Last In The Fridge?
While three to four days is a good guideline for cooked chicken, it does not include dishes like chicken salad, which can be refrigerated up to five days but not frozen, and chicken lunch meat, which can be refrigerated for two weeks unopened and up to five days after opening. Deli chicken slices are good for three to five days after purchase, and chicken hot dogs will keep for up to two weeks unopened and up to one week after opening.
How To Store Cooked Chicken In The Fridge
Cooked chicken should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container, labeled and dated with the day it was prepared. Make sure it is completely cool before storing. You also must get leftover chicken into the refrigerator quickly for it to last—within two hours of it sitting at room temperature. It should be kept at or below 40ºF to slow bacterial growth and keep it safe to eat.
How To Freeze Cooked Chicken
If you have a lot of leftover chicken and don’t think you will eat it within four days, your best bet is to freeze it. Place the chicken in a zip-top freezer bag, and press out as much air as possible before sealing it. Then freeze the chicken for up to four months. If frozen properly, the chicken will be safe indefinitely, but the longer it sits in the freezer, the higher the chance that the flavor and texture will deteriorate.
How To Reheat Cooked Chicken
Cooked chicken can be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven, microwave, or air fryer, as long as the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
Stovetop
For boneless chicken breasts, shredded or cut chicken, or chicken dishes with sauce, reheat the chicken in a pan on the stovetop on medium-low. Cover the chicken to keep in moisture. Cook, stirring or flipping occasionally, until heated through.
Microwave
Simply cut the chicken into smaller pieces, if possible, and spread them into a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a lid or damp paper towel before reheating. If the cooked chicken is frozen, make sure to defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Oven
Use this method for larger portions of chicken, pieces with bones, casseroles, or roasted chicken. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat at 350ºF until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Air Fryer
This method is ideal for cooked chicken with a crispy exterior, like chicken wings or fried chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF, then warm the chicken for four to six minutes.
How To Tell If Cooked Chicken Has Gone Bad
If your chicken starts to look off-color (dark or faded), appears slimy, sticky, or tacky, or smells bad, it’s time to throw it out. Of course, chicken that’s been marinated or drenched in sauce may not give you telltale clues that it’s spoiling. If you have the unfortunate experience of taking a bite and something tastes off, pitch your leftover chicken in the trash. If you’re just not sure, the safest bet is to follow the rule of throwing out any leftovers after three days.
What To Do If You Accidentally Eat Old Chicken
If you accidentally eat cooked chicken leftovers that have gone bad or been refrigerated longer than four days, you may be OK. Watch for signs of food poisoning, which include nausea, chills, dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. Consult a doctor if you think you have food poisoning. If you’re unsure of how long cooked chicken has been sitting in your fridge or whether it’s safe to eat, it’s best to throw it out, especially for the elderly, young, those who are pregnant, or those with compromised immune systems.
How To Use Leftover Cooked Chicken
The possibilities for using up leftover cooked chicken are nearly endless. Here are a few ways to quickly (and deliciously) use up leftover chicken:
