How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Cooked chicken keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 3 to 4 months in the freezer. How to cool, store and reheat it safely, according to USDA guidance.
By the Forkful editorial team · Published
Quick answer
Cooked chicken keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, or 3 to 4 months in the freezer for best quality. Refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour if the room is hotter than 32 °C) and reheat leftovers until they reach 74 °C (165 °F).
How long does cooked chicken last?
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) says leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for 3 to 4 months. Frozen leftovers stay safe indefinitely, but they can lose moisture and flavour if they stay in the freezer for a long time.
Count the days from the day you cooked the chicken, not from the day you opened the container.
Get it into the fridge quickly
Bacteria multiply fastest between 4 °C and 60 °C (40–140 °F), which the USDA calls the danger zone. Cooked food should go into the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if the temperature is above 32 °C (90 °F), for example at a summer picnic. Anything left out longer should be thrown away.
A big dish takes a long time to cool in the middle. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces or slice the breast, and store it in shallow containers so that it cools quickly. Cover or seal the containers once the food is in the fridge.
How to reheat cooked chicken
The USDA recommends reheating leftovers until they reach 74 °C (165 °F) as measured with a food thermometer, and bringing sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil. Cover the dish to keep it moist. In the microwave, rotate or stir the food and check the temperature in several places, because microwaves leave cold spots.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) adds that you should reheat meat only once, and that the food should be steaming hot all the way through. Small pieces reheat more evenly than large ones.
Freezing and thawing
Freeze chicken in portions so that you only thaw what you need. The safest ways to thaw are in the refrigerator, in cold water (in a leak-proof bag) or in the microwave. Food thawed in the refrigerator should be used within 3 to 4 days. Food thawed in cold water should be cooked before it is refrozen, and food thawed in the microwave should be heated to 74 °C (165 °F) before eating or refreezing.
Can you tell by smell?
No. According to the FSA, you cannot smell the bacteria that cause food poisoning, so a sniff test is not a reliable way to judge safety. When in doubt, throw it out.
If you feel unwell afterwards
Food poisoning usually causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain, and the NHS says it normally gets better on its own within a week with plenty of fluids. Contact a doctor if you have bloody diarrhoea, diarrhoea for more than 7 days, vomiting for more than 2 days, signs of dehydration or cannot keep fluids down, or if the person affected is a baby. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice.
Make it at home
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat cooked chicken after 5 days?
The USDA recommends 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, freeze it earlier or throw it away.
Can I freeze cooked chicken?
Yes. Leftovers stay safe indefinitely when frozen, but the USDA suggests using them within 3 to 4 months for the best quality.
How hot should reheated chicken be?
It should reach 74 °C (165 °F) when measured with a food thermometer.
Can I reheat chicken twice?
The FSA says previously cooked and frozen meat should only be reheated once, so reheat only the portion you plan to eat.