Quick Answers
Here are some quick tips for storing rotisserie chicken:
- Let the chicken cool completely before storing it.
- Remove the meat from the bones and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Store the chicken in the fridge within 2 hours of purchasing it.
- You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Portion it out into freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Don’t store the chicken at room temperature. Refrigerate or freeze it right away.
Let the Chicken Cool Completely Before Storing
It’s important to let your rotisserie chicken cool down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing it. Hot chicken will raise the temperature inside your refrigerator, which can compromise food safety. Let the chicken cool for about 30 minutes before packaging it up for storage.
Set the whole chicken or chicken pieces on a baking sheet or plate. Don’t tightly cover the chicken, as you want it to release steam as it cools. Once it has cooled down, you can go ahead and store it.
Why You Should Let it Cool
- Prevents raising fridge temperature – Hot chicken can raise the temperature inside your fridge, allowing bacteria to grow on other foods.
- Avoids condensation – Condensation can form inside packaging when you rapidly chill hot chicken, leading to soggy skin.
- Lets chicken shrink – As the chicken cools, juices will reabsorb back into the meat instead of leaking out.
Store the Chicken in the Fridge Within 2 Hours
Don’t let your cooked rotisserie chicken sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours before storing it in the refrigerator. The USDA recommends refrigerating perishable foods like chicken within 2 hours to prevent bacteria from growing.
If the ambient temperature is above 90°F, you should refrigerate the chicken within just 1 hour. The warmer temperatures allow for faster bacteria growth on perishable foods.
Split the chicken into smaller pieces or shred the meat to help it chill faster in the fridge. Then store it in shallow airtight containers so the chicken cools down quickly.
Storage Timeline
- 0-2 hours – Okay to leave chicken out at room temperature.
- 2-4 hours – Refrigerate immediately if left out for over 2 hours.
- 4+ hours – The chicken is unsafe to eat if left out for over 4 hours. Throw it out.
Refrigerate the Chicken for Up to 4 Days
For best quality, store your cooked rotisserie chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to split it into smaller portions in shallow airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking.
Keep the chicken stored at 40°F or below. The cold temperature prevents bacteria from multiplying quickly. Take the chicken out of the fridge right before eating so it doesn’t warm up.
If you won’t be able to eat the chicken within 4 days, you can freeze it for longer storage.
How to Store in the Fridge
- Shred or cut chicken into smaller pieces so it chills faster.
- Store in air-tight containers to prevent drying out.
- Keep chicken near the back of the top shelf.
- Label containers with date.
- Use within 3-4 days.
Freeze the Chicken for Up to 3 Months
For longer term storage, freeze your rotisserie chicken for up to 3 months. Portion the chicken into freezer bags or airtight containers before freezing.
Make sure to remove any bones or stuffing from the chicken, as these don’t freeze well. You can freeze prepared chicken pieces or shredded chicken.
Freeze chicken in flat packages so it freezes quickly. This prevents ice crystals from damaging the texture.
How to Freeze Chicken
- Let chicken cool completely before freezing.
- Portion chicken into freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal.
- Label with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months at 0°F.
Thawing Frozen Chicken
- Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Submerge sealed bag in cold water.
- Defrost in the microwave if cooking immediately.
- Don’t thaw at room temperature.
Avoid Storing the Chicken at Room Temperature
Don’t store your cooked rotisserie chicken on the kitchen counter or other room temperature areas. The warm conditions allow bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria to multiply quickly and pose a food poisoning risk.
Instead, refrigerate or freeze the chicken right away in shallow airtight containers. The cold temperatures keep bacteria from growing.
Never leave cooked chicken out for more than 2 hours. Toss chicken if it’s been sitting out for over 4 hours.
Room Temperature Storage Times
| Temperature | Maximum Time |
|---|---|
| 90°F + | 1 hour |
| 70°F – 90°F | 2 hours |
| 40°F or below | 3-4 days (in fridge) |
Remove Meat from Bones Before Storing
For easier storage in the fridge or freezer, remove the chicken meat from the bones before packaging. The bones can harbor bacteria.
Use your hands or forks to shred or pull the meat into smaller pieces. Discard the skin and bones.
You can store the chicken meat in resealable plastic bags or plastic containers with tight lids. Glass containers also work well.
Packaging Tips
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Use shallow, wide containers for faster chilling.
- Avoid overcrowding the container.
- Make sure lids seal tightly.
- Label contents and date.
How Long Does Rotisserie Chicken Last?
Here is a table summarizing how long rotisserie chicken lasts in the fridge or freezer:
| Storage Method | Temperature | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 40°F or below | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | 0°F or below | 3 months |
The fridge times are for best quality. Chicken may still be safe to eat after 4 days if it has been handled properly. Always discard chicken if it smells bad or looks slimy.
How to Tell if Rotisserie Chicken is Bad
Here are some signs that your leftover rotisserie chicken has gone bad:
- Slimy texture
- Grey color
- Mold growth
- Sour or off smell
- Rotten odor
- Discoloration
- Dry, tacky feel
Chicken that is rotten should be thrown out. Don’t taste chicken that shows signs of spoilage.
When stored properly in the fridge or freezer, rotisserie chicken can last for several days. But it’s important to watch for signs of spoilage before eating it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you refrigerate rotisserie chicken with the skin on?
Yes, it’s safe to refrigerate rotisserie chicken with the skin still on. For best quality, remove the skin within 1-2 days as it can turn slimy in the fridge.
How long is rotisserie chicken good for in the freezer?
Properly stored rotisserie chicken lasts 3-4 months in a 0°F freezer before losing quality. Frozen chicken may still be safe to eat after 4 months.
Can you freeze then re-freeze rotisserie chicken?
It’s not recommended to freeze rotisserie chicken, thaw it, and then re-freeze. This second freeze can damage the texture. Only freeze chicken once.
What happens if you leave rotisserie chicken out overnight?
Leaving rotisserie chicken out at room temperature overnight poses a high risk of food poisoning. Chicken left out for over 2 hours should be thrown away.
How long does warm rotisserie chicken last without refrigeration?
Warm rotisserie chicken should be refrigerated within 1-2 hours. Leaving it warm for longer than 2 hours allows dangerous bacteria to multiply.
Conclusion
Storing rotisserie chicken properly is important for food safety. Let the chicken cool completely before refrigerating it. Store the chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Avoid leaving chicken out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Monitor for any signs of spoilage and throw chicken away if it smells bad or looks slimy. Following these guidelines will help keep your leftover rotisserie chicken fresh and prevent foodborne illness.
