Ever wondered how long the chicken you spent all that time and effort cooking will last?
Poultry is the most widely consumed meat in the world just behind pork, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports. The increase in chicken consumption correlates with the increased availability of the meat over the years. According to the USDA, 65.2 pounds of chicken per person were available for Americans to eat in 2018, compared with54.6 pounds of beef.
Here are some food storage guidelines for the next time you make that ravishing chicken dinner.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
USDA suggests that any cooked leftovers including chicken be consumed within three to four days, given the chicken has been refrigerated at 40°F or less during those days.
The risk of bacterial growth is imminent if the chicken goes over three or four days in the fridge. There are two types of bacteria that can cause your food to “go bad” – one is pathogenic bacteria which causes food poisoning or other foodborne illnesses while the other is spoilage bacteria which causes the food to have unpleasant taste, appearance and smell like the name suggests.
It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food that you’re putting in your body. USDA suggests never to taste food to determine whether it’s spoiled.
What is the healthiest meat?:Expert tips to cook a nutrient-rich plate
How long does cooked chicken last in the freezer?
Cooked chicken can last up to fourmonths in the freezer if the chicken has been kept frozen continuously.
If the chicken is covered in broth or gravy, the dish can be frozen for about six months, according to USDA. And if it’s chicken nuggets or patties, USDA recommends one to three months.
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FAQs
USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth.
How long is chicken good in the fridge after cooked? ›
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recommendations, leftover cooked chicken should be refrigerated at 40 F (or less) and used within 3 to 4 days.
How long can leftover cooked chicken be left in the fridge? ›
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Chicken 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 less. 1 And that goes for any type of cooked chicken—store-bought, homemade, or restaurant leftovers.
What happens if you eat cooked chicken that's been in the fridge too long? ›
Eating spoiled chicken can cause foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning. Chicken has a high risk of causing food poisoning, as it may be contaminated with bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and more (4).
How do you make cooked chicken last longer in the fridge? ›
To store cooked chicken safely in the fridge, we recommend placing it in a clean and dry container or bowl to avoid any contamination. Next, seal the bowl with Glad® Press'n Seal® Wrap or Glad® Cling'n Seal™ Wrap to help lock in some extra freshness.
Can I eat leftover chicken after 7 days? ›
USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.
How do you tell if cooked chicken has gone bad in the fridge? ›
How to Tell If Cooked Chicken Has Gone Bad. Just like when it's raw, you'll know if cooked chicken is bad based on the smell, color and texture. "Cooked chicken will start to appear gray or greenish, and have a softer or slimier texture when it starts to go bad; as well as a foul smell.
Does chicken go bad after 5 days in fridge? ›
You can keep raw chicken in the fridge for one to two days at most, according to FoodSafety.gov. The “best if used by” date printed on the package is for quality assurance purposes, so you should only eat raw chicken within a day or two, even if its printed expiration date hasn't passed yet.
Can you freeze cooked chicken after 3 days? ›
It's not advised to freeze cooked chicken after four days in the fridge due to possible bacteria growth. Why can't you freeze chicken hot? Hot chicken may lead to temperature changes in your freezer, which could lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before freezing.
Is 2 year old frozen chicken still good? ›
How long can you store chicken in your freezer? According to the USDA, frozen chicken will be "safe indefinitely" as long as you keep it continuously frozen (i.e., you're not unfreezing it and then re-freezing it because you didn't have a chance to cook or eat it).
According to the USDA, you should eat cooked chicken within 3 to 4 days.
How to know if chicken is spoiled? ›
Chicken has likely gone bad if it has a strong, unpleasant odor. Another sign is a change of color; raw chicken should be pink, while cooked chicken should be white. It often turns grey when it begins to spoil. Check for mold as well, and avoid chicken that has a slimy texture after you've washed it.
How to tell when chicken is bad? ›
Fresh, raw chicken is pink and fleshy in color; if the chicken has gone bad it will be discolored and take on a dull, grayish cast. “Signs of food spoilage are pretty universal,” White says. “Any foul odor, discoloration or foreign substances on your chicken would be grounds for tossing.”
Can cooked chicken be refrigerated and reheated? ›
Leftover cooked food may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. During this time, you can reheat the leftovers to 165 °F. Be sure to return any unused portion to the refrigerator within two hours to remain safe.
How do you store leftover cooked chicken? ›
Bacteria can multiply quickly when the meat's temperature lingers in the "Danger Zone," which is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Placing your cooked chicken in a clean and dry, airtight container or sealing it in an unused, food-grade plastic bag will help retain the meat's freshness and quality.
Can you reheat cooked chicken? ›
In short, yes, you can, which is great news for those who hate waste. However, when re-heating any type of poultry you need to be careful that you don't undercook it. You must ensure that the reheated meat reaches a temperature of at least 75°C in the middle.
Can I eat cooked chicken after 5 days? ›
When Is Chicken Still Safe to Eat? According to the USDA, you should eat cooked chicken within 3 to 4 days.
Is chicken still good after 6 days in fridge? ›
No need to stash it in the freezer — it's OK to store raw chicken (whole or in pieces) for 1–2 days in the fridge. If you have leftovers that include cooked chicken, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Curious about how to store chicken in the fridge so it lasts longer?
Is raw chicken OK in the fridge for 5 days? ›
You can keep raw chicken in the fridge for one to two days at most, according to FoodSafety.gov. The “best if used by” date printed on the package is for quality assurance purposes, so you should only eat raw chicken within a day or two, even if its printed expiration date hasn't passed yet.
Can chicken last 6 days in the fridge? ›
How Long Will Raw Chicken Stay Good in the Fridge? One to two days maximum. That's according to the USDA and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and applies to raw chicken regardless of if it's whole; in pieces such as breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings; or ground.
