How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last In The Fridge | Unrivaled Guide 2022

Whether you grill, pan-fry, or oven-bake chicken, it is always a good idea to have some leftover chicken in the fridge. Even if you have little leftover in the fridge, you can make a simple chicken salad with cooked chicken and a few groceries. Shredded roasted chicken can turn a regular mixed salad into a main dish. And if you’ve never had the pleasure of eating cold fried chicken straight out of the refrigerator, you should do something about it now.

Just make sure you know how long the chicken has been in the fridge. If stored properly (in a Zip lock bag or airtight container), cooked chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be prepared any way you like: commercial chicken, homemade chicken, or restaurant leftovers.

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How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last In The Fridge

Can cooked chicken be frozen?

Of course you can! Freezing cooked chicken can extend its shelf life. However, in order for cooked chicken to last longer in the freezer, it must be cooked the right way.

Cooked chicken can be stored in the freezer for 3-4 months. When storing cooked chicken in the freezer, make sure it has not been at room temperature for more than two hours. Two hours out of the refrigerator will allow bacteria to grow and spoil leftovers.

How should cooked chicken be stored in the refrigerator?

Cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. If left at room temperature for more than two hours, chicken can reach the danger zone, a temperature range of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, where bacteria are most likely to multiply.

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How do I know if my chicken has gone bad?

If you are not sure how long the chicken has been in the refrigerator, there are several ways to indicate signs of spoilage

Color

Rotten chicken, whether cooked or raw, will begin to take on a green or grayish color.

Smell

The classic smell test is a good way to determine if chicken is rotten. The chicken will smell of ammonia or just an unpleasant odor. Seasonings and marinades can mask these odors, so you cannot always rely on smell alone.

Texture

Changes in texture are another indicator of spoilage. Bad chicken will have a slimy coating that will make you hesitate to bite into a week-old chicken.

Note

Never taste the chicken to determine if it is rotten. You may end up spending several hours in the bathroom.

How do I freeze/thaw cooked chicken?

If you are not likely to eat the chicken within 3 or 4 days, freezing is the best option. To freeze cooked chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag, write the date on the label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Never freeze chicken that has been left at room temperature for more than two hours or stored in the refrigerator for more than four days.

To thaw chicken, place the chicken in the refrigerator in its container and allow it to thaw overnight. You may also use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.

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What if it is longer, say 5 days?

That is up to you. Some pathogens that can grow on chicken do not change the taste, smell or appearance of the meat. Please use your own judgment.

As the saying goes, “When in doubt, throw it out.

Exceptions to the 3-4 day rule include chicken salad (5 days), chicken hot dogs (2 weeks unopened, 1 week after opening), packed chicken lunch meat (2 weeks unopened, 3-5 days after opening) and deli chicken (3-5 days).

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How many days can cooked chicken be stored in the refrigerator?

Be careful! Cooked chicken cannot be stored in the refrigerator as long as you think. So here are some simple ways to store cooked chicken in the refrigerator.

Chicken breasts

cooked chicken breasts can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, while raw chicken breasts can be stored for about 2 days. In both cases, chicken breasts should be stored in the freezer as much as possible.

Whole chicken

Cooked whole chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days as long as it is divided into small portions and the leftover guidelines are followed. A whole raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. If cooked later, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Ground chicken

Unlike other chicken meats, cooked ground chicken can be stored in the freezer for 3-4 months.

Always wash your hands and surfaces before and after handling poultry, especially when handling raw poultry. Be smart and separate foods. Store raw poultry separately to avoid cross contamination.

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How to Defrost Cooked Chicken?

Unfortunately, thawing chicken is not as easy as taking it out of the freezer. Below are some surefire ways to thaw chicken safely and relatively quickly.

The easiest way to thaw chicken is to transfer it to the refrigerator. Once in the refrigerator, it usually takes a full day to thaw, so plan your meals accordingly. Remember to cook (internal temperature 165°F) immediately after thawing to kill any harmful bacteria.

If time is short, cooked chicken can be thawed in cold water. Place the chicken in an airtight bag and soak the bag in a bowl of cold water to prevent bacteria from entering the food.

Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes. Approximately one pound of chicken can be thawed in less than one hour. Once completely thawed, cook as soon as possible. Foods thawed using the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.

Can I eat cooked chicken after 5 days?

Experts do not recommend eating chicken after 5 days. Many will say “yes” or “it’s fine”. Food poisoning is not fun, so we advise you to be careful, but if you are tempted, read the warning signs below to make sure your chicken is no longer safe.

Can I eat cooked chicken after 10 days?

You should never eat cooked chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator for 10 days, but you can eat it later if it has been stored in the freezer.

Jane says, “Cooked chicken will last longer if you freeze it, but it will taste better if you eat it within three to six months.” If it has been frozen for a longer period of time, it is safe to eat, but the texture may have changed slightly. In this case, it is good to add it to soups or curries to keep it moist.

If you freeze cooked chicken, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it as usual for safe and delicious eating.

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Risks of Eating Rotten Chicken

The first reason not to eat rotten chicken is food poisoning.

Let’s assume that you have never heard of Salmonella or Campylobacter. In this case, they are bacteria that are usually introduced when the chicken decomposes. While it is true that the chicken can be removed by careful washing, the absolute risk lies in the toxins left behind by these bacteria.

These toxins will adhere to chicken even if the chicken is washed and cooked thoroughly. So if you are thinking of washing, cooking, or reheating rotten chicken to preserve it, it is best not to do so. Food poisoning can cause serious symptoms, including

• Dehydration
• Bloody excretions
• Fever and chills
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In fact, if left untreated, food poisoning can lead to death. In most cases, food poisoning requires a trip to the hospital, which can be expensive. To avoid this, it is recommended that you throw away chicken immediately if you see any of the signs of spoilage mentioned above.

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How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last In The Fridge | Video Explanation

Final Thoughts on Chicken Preservation

Like any other food, chicken must be discarded after a certain amount of time. If you want to avoid the risk of foodborne illness, you need to keep these things in mind. Keep in mind the expiration date of chicken for safe eating.