Fully cooked chicken needs to be stored properly to keep it safe to eat. Improper storage can lead to bacterial growth resulting in foodborne illness. Follow these guidelines on how to best store cooked chicken in the refrigerator, freezer, and for takeout.
How long can fully cooked chicken be stored in the refrigerator?
Fully cooked chicken can safely be stored in the refrigerator 3-4 days. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), cooked chicken lasts for 3-4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Here are some key refrigerator storage guidelines for cooked chicken:
- Store cooked chicken in airtight, moisture-proof packaging or container.
- Ensure the refrigerator is set to 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer to check.
- Consume refrigerated cooked chicken within 3-4 days, don’t go over 4 days.
- Check for signs of spoilage before eating – slimy texture, foul odor, or coloring changes.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t take chances with food safety.
Following proper protocols for refrigerating cooked chicken will keep it safe to eat for 3-4 days. Always practice food safety and throw out chicken if you see any signs of spoilage.
How to store cooked chicken in the refrigerator
Storing cooked chicken properly in the refrigerator helps maintain safety and quality. Here are some tips for refrigerator storage:
- Let cooked chicken cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent temperature fluctuations which can create conditions for bacteria growth.
- Store chicken in shallow airtight containers. Shallow storage allows chicken to cool quickly in the refrigerator.
- Use moisture-proof packaging like plastic wrap or zip top bags. This prevents drying out.
- Wrap chicken tightly or seal completely in airtight containers. This minimizes exposure to airborne bacteria.
- Organize refrigerator to keep chicken near the back and on lower shelves. The back of the fridge tends to be the coldest area.
- Don’t overcrowd the refrigerator. Space packages of chicken apart to allow for cold air circulation.
- Label packages with date cooked for easy first in, first out (FIFO) tracking.
Following proper refrigeration methods will maintain chicken safety and quality during storage. Be diligent about temperature control, moisture prevention, organization, and date labeling.
How long does cooked chicken last in the freezer?
Properly frozen cooked chicken can last much longer than refrigerated. According to FSIS guidelines:
- Cooked chicken pieces last 4-6 months in the freezer.
- Cooked chicken dishes like casseroles last 3-4 months.
- Cooked chicken soup or stock lasts 2-3 months.
For best quality, try to freeze cooked chicken within 1-2 days of cooking. Handle frozen chicken carefully and check for freezer burn or ice crystals prior to use.
How to freeze cooked chicken
Freezing cooked chicken correctly helps maintain safety and quality for long term storage:
- Let chicken cool to room temperature before freezing. Freezing right after cooking can create ice crystals.
- Package chicken in air-tight, moisture proof materials like heavy duty aluminum foil, freezer bags, or plastic freezer containers.
- Remove as much air from packages as possible. Vacuum seal if able.
- Lay packages flat in single layers in the freezer for faster freezing.
- Once frozen, stack packages for space efficiency.
- Label packages with contents and date frozen for easy identification.
- Avoid freezing cooked chicken more than once. The texture will deteriorate.
Proper freezing techniques maintain chicken’s texture and prevent freezer burn during long term storage.
Thawing frozen cooked chicken
Always thaw frozen cooked chicken properly before reheating and eating:
- Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This is the safest method.
- If short on time, submerge a vacuum sealed package under cold running water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Microwave thawing is possible but can create hot spots. Check internal temperature in multiple spots before consuming.
- Never thaw chicken at room temperature or in hot water. This creates conditions for bacterial growth.
- Cook thawed chicken immediately, don’t refreeze.
Following safe thawing methods is crucial to prevent illness from eating frozen cooked chicken.
How long does cooked chicken last for takeout or leftovers?
The shelf life of cooked chicken from restaurants or leftovers depends on the storage:
- Takeout chicken lasts 3-4 days maximum in the refrigerator.
- Leftover cooked chicken keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Takeout or leftovers last 2-3 months in a deep freezer.
- Eat refrigerated takeout or leftovers within 4 days. Discard if older.
The same food safety rules apply to takeout and leftovers. Use airtight storage, monitor temperatures closely, and watch for signs of spoilage. When reheating, cook to 165°F.
Signs cooked chicken has spoiled
Watch for these signs that cooked chicken has gone bad:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Greyish or green discoloration
- Off putting sour or ammonia odor
- Mold growth
- Slimy film on chicken
Throw chicken away immediately if you see any of these red flags for spoilage. Don’t taste questionable chicken. Remember the phrase “when in doubt, throw it out”.
How to store cooked chicken: Key takeaways
Here are the key storage guidelines to remember for cooked chicken:
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below for 3-4 days maximum
- Freeze for 4-6 months (pieces) or 2-3 months (soups, stocks)
- Use airtight, moisture-proof packaging
- Rapidly chill chicken before refrigerating
- Thaw frozen chicken safely in the refrigerator
- Discard chicken immediately if you see signs of spoilage
Following proper storage protocols minimizes the risk of foodborne illness from cooked chicken. Be especially diligent with takeout and leftovers. Monitor temperatures, use appropriate packaging, label items, and inspect chicken before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze cooked chicken in the package from the store?
It’s not recommended to freeze cooked chicken in the original packaging from the grocery store. This packaging is meant for refrigerated, short-term storage. For freezing, the chicken should be transferred to an airtight, heavy-duty freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before freezing.
How can you tell if cooked chicken is bad?
There are several signs that indicate cooked chicken has gone bad including a slimy or sticky texture and a foul odor. Cooked chicken can also show grayish or green discoloration when it has spoiled. If mold is present do not eat the chicken. Always discard cooked chicken if you notice any signs of spoilage.
Can you eat cooked chicken that was left out overnight?
No, cooked chicken that was accidentally left out at room temperature overnight should not be eaten. Bacteria grows rapidly on cooked chicken when left out more than 2 hours. Refrigeration is required to prevent the chicken from becoming unsafe. Leftovers should be discarded if left out overnight.
Is it better to store cooked chicken with or without the bone?
It is generally better to store cooked chicken meat without the bone when refrigerating or freezing. Bones can lead to uneven cooling of chicken pieces. Removing the bone allows chicken to cool faster for safer refrigeration. Bones also take up extra space when freezing chicken in airtight packages.
Can cooked chicken be stored in the same container it was cooked in?
It’s not recommended to store cooked chicken in the dish it was originally cooked in. For one, the cooking container may still hold heat which can lead to temperature regulation issues. And cooked chicken should be stored in shallow containers in the refrigerator to cool down quickly. It’s best to transfer chicken pieces into airtight, moisture-proof containers before refrigerating or freezing.
Storing Cooked Chicken: A Visual Guide
| Storage Method | Photo | Tips |
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| Refrigerating |
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| Freezing |
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| Thawing |
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| Reheating |
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Conclusion
Properly storing cooked chicken is vital for food safety. Follow these guidelines to refrigerate, freeze, thaw, and reheat chicken while preventing bacterial growth. Monitoring time and temperature limits, using appropriate packaging, and checking for signs of spoilage will keep cooked chicken safe to enjoy. With the right techniques, cooked chicken stays fresh and ready to eat for days in the refrigerator or months in the freezer.
