Is chicken Good 5 days after cooking?

Eating leftover chicken that has been properly stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days is usually safe. However, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and use proper food safety practices to determine if your leftover chicken is still good to eat.

How long is cooked chicken good for in the fridge?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that time, quality starts to decline as the chicken dries out and flavor deteriorates. However, diced or shredded chicken tends to get moldy faster, so those leftovers should only be kept for 3-4 days.

Here are the USDA’s recommendations for maximum refrigerator storage times for cooked chicken:

  • Whole chicken: 3-4 days
  • Pieces or bone-in parts: 3-4 days
  • Cooked chicken without bones: 3-4 days
  • Chicken gravy or broth: 1-2 days
  • Fried chicken: 3-4 days
  • Chicken nuggets or patties: 3-4 days
  • Diced or shredded chicken: 3-4 days
  • Chicken lunch meat: 3-5 days

As a general rule, keep cooked chicken for no more than 4 days in the fridge. After that, it’s best to throw it out. Freezing chicken can significantly extend its shelf life to several months.

Can you eat cooked chicken after 5 days?

It’s generally not recommended to eat cooked chicken that has been in the refrigerator for longer than 4-5 days, even when it’s been stored properly at 40°F or below. The longer cooked chicken sits in the fridge, the higher the risk of bacterial growth like salmonella or listeria.

Bacteria can multiply quickly on perishable foods like chicken when stored at unsafe temperatures for too long. While your chicken may appear and smell fine even after 5 days, the bacteria levels may have reached unsafe levels that could make you sick.

However, there are some exceptions where chicken may still be safe to eat 5 days after cooking:

  • Chicken that has been continuously refrigerated at 40°F and handled properly.
  • Chicken that has been frozen for several months after cooking.
  • Chicken that was cooked at high temperatures to destroy bacteria.
  • Meat that looks and smells normal. But always double check for sliminess.

In those cases, it may be alright to eat 5 day old chicken if you heat it thoroughly to steaming hot. Take extra care with higher risk groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems.

How to tell if cooked chicken has gone bad

The best way to determine if cooked chicken has gone bad after 5 days in the fridge is to closely inspect it with your senses before eating it. Here are some signs that cooked chicken has spoiled and is unsafe to eat:

  • Appearance: Chicken looks slimy or has an unusual sheen or sticky residue. Mold or white film on the surface.
  • Smell: Chicken gives off a unpleasant, sour, decaying or ammonia-like odor.
  • Texture: Meat feels unusually soft, mushy or slimy when poked.
  • Discoloration: Presence of gray, green or black areas on the chicken.

Cooked chicken that is still good should look moist but not overly shiny or tacky. It should smell fresh with no foul odors. The meat should spring back when touched and not retain a dimple when pressed. The color should look normal without dark spots or greenish tinge.

When leftover chicken shows multiple signs of spoilage in its appearance, smell or texture – it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. If you have any doubts about your cooked chicken’s safety, don’t risk eating it.

Steps to safely store cooked chicken in the fridge

To help maximize your leftover chicken’s shelf life and keep it safe to eat, follow these proper storage guidelines:

  • Refrigerate chicken within 2 hours after cooking. Cut whole chicken into smaller pieces so it chills faster.
  • Store chicken in airtight, shallow containers to maintain quality. Make sure it is completely sealed.
  • Place chicken on lower shelves towards the back of the fridge where temps are coldest.
  • Avoid overpacking fridge so cold air can properly circulate.
  • Keep accurate track of how long chicken has been refrigerated. Use labels.
  • Do not store for longer than 3-4 days even if chicken looks OK.

Following safe food handling and good refrigeration practices reduces the chances of chicken spoilage and food poisoning.

Can you freeze chicken after 5 days in the fridge?

It is not recommended to refreeze chicken that has been sitting in the refrigerator for 5 days or more after initial cooking. The USDA explains that freezing cannot reverse the bacterial growth that happens in perishable foods over time.

Chicken that has been in the fridge for an extended period has likely surpassed its peak quality and safety. Any bacteria present may grow rapidly when frozen and lead to foodborne illness after thawing.

Only freshly cooked chicken that has been properly refrigerated for up to 4 days should be frozen for extended storage. Freeze chicken pieces in air-tight bags or containers for up to 4 months. For best quality, freeze whole chickens for no more than 1 year.

Can you reheat 5 day old chicken?

It’s generally risky to reheat chicken that has been refrigerated for longer than 4 days. However, reheating 5 day old chicken to steaming hot (165°F or higher) may destroy some bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Make sure to heat chicken thoroughly.

Avoid eating reheated chicken if it has an off smell or appearance. Take extra care with groups at higher risk of food poisoning like pregnant women, children and elderly.

Only reheat chicken once – do not cook, refrigerate and reheat chicken again after 5 days. The more you reheat chicken, the greater chance pathogens have to grow.

Food safety tips for leftover chicken

To enjoy delicious leftover chicken safely, keep these food safety guidelines in mind:

  • Refrigerate promptly in shallow airtight containers.
  • Use within 3-4 days for optimal quality and safety.
  • Check for signs of spoilage before reheating.
  • Reheat thoroughly to minimum 165°F until steaming hot.
  • Do not refreeze chicken after storing in fridge for several days.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.

How to use up older leftover chicken

If your cooked chicken has been in the fridge for almost 5 days, here are some safe ways to use it up:

  • In soups, stews or casseroles. Add lots of vegetables too.
  • Mixed into Chicken salad, wraps or sandwiches if chicken still looks and smells fresh.
  • Make chicken stock by simmering bones and scraps with veggies and herbs.
  • Prepare chicken fried rice or pasta bake by reheating chicken to minimum 165°F.
  • As a pizza, nacho, taco or quesadilla topping after fully reheating chicken.

Heating older chicken thoroughly to steaming hot helps kill any bacteria that may have developed. But if chicken smells or looks bad in any way, discard it even if reheated.

Can you eat spoiled chicken after cooking?

It is extremely dangerous and risky to eat chicken that is already spoiled before cooking. Signs of spoiled raw chicken include:

  • Greenish, gray or black discoloration
  • Strange odors like sulfur or ammonia
  • Slimy texture or tacky surface
  • Unusual dark spots or bruising

Bacteria levels can be very high in spoiled raw chicken. Cooking spoiled chicken does not necessarily make it safe for consumption and can still lead to food poisoning or sickness.

Chicken that is past its prime freshness has natural bacteria that multiplies quickly to hazardous levels when left at room temperature. Never taste, cook or eat spoiled raw chicken.

Can you eat cooked chicken that turned brown?

It’s generally unsafe to eat cooked chicken that has turned brown in the refrigerator after sitting for several days. Some reasons cooked chicken can turn brown include:

  • Oxidation when exposed to air causes brownish discoloration.
  • Bacteria multiplying on the chicken leading to spoiled appearance.
  • Drying out of the chicken meat after prolonged storage.

While the brown color itself won’t make you sick, it’s a sign that bacteria may be growing or the chicken has become overly dried out. Reheating may not make spoiled chicken safe for eating again.

For highest safety and quality, leftover chicken should be consumed within 3 to 4 days and still look moist with normal color. Discard chicken that has turned brown after sitting in the fridge for too long.

Can you get food poisoning from 5 day old chicken?

Eating 5 day old chicken can potentially cause food poisoning or make you sick if bacteria like salmonella has grown on the chicken during extended refrigerator storage. Here are some high risk scenarios:

  • Chicken was not stored at proper 40°F temperature.
  • Chicken was left out at room temperature.
  • Raw chicken juices dripped onto cooked chicken.
  • Chicken was handled carelessly with unwashed hands or utensils.
  • Chicken has been refrigerated for over 5 days.

To lower your risks, handle chicken carefully, make sure your fridge stays cold, keep refrigerated times short and inspect chicken carefully before eating it. Reheating older chicken thoroughly until steaming hot may reduce but does not eliminate all risks.

Food poisoning symptoms

Eating spoiled, undercooked or contaminated chicken can cause symptoms of food poisoning, including:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach cramps and diarrhea
  • Fever and chills
  • Headache and fatigue
  • Dehydration

Symptoms often appear within 12-48 hours after eating bad chicken. In severe cases, food poisoning can even be life-threatening especially for high risk groups.

Seek medical care if food poisoning symptoms persist or worsen. Drink plenty of fluids and get rest to help your body recover quickly.

How to prevent food poisoning from chicken

You can greatly lower your food poisoning risks from chicken by practicing good food safety:

  • Refrigerate chicken right away after cooking.
  • Store chicken in air tight containers away from raw meats.
  • Keep fridge at proper temperature below 40°F.
  • Avoid overpacking refrigerator.
  • Cook chicken thoroughly to minimum 165°F internal temperature.
  • Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
  • Discard chicken after 3-4 days in refrigerator.
  • Do not refreeze old chicken or reheat more than once.

Handling chicken carefully, following cooking instructions, refrigerating properly and avoiding old chicken lowers your risk of foodborne illnesses.

Summary

Here’s a quick summary of whether chicken is still good after 5 days in the refrigerator:

  • Chicken leftovers are generally only safe to eat within 3 to 4 days after cooking.
  • Eating 5 day old refrigerated chicken carries higher risks of food poisoning.
  • Inspect chicken closely for signs of spoilage before reheating and eating.
  • Discard chicken if it has an off smell, color or slimy texture.
  • Reheating chicken to a minimum 165°F may kill some bacteria but does not eliminate all risks.
  • For safety, enjoy leftover cooked chicken within 4 days and freeze any extra portions.
  • Practice proper food handling and refrigeration to prevent illnesses from spoiled chicken.

Conclusion

Chicken that has been properly cooked and refrigerated using safe food handling practices will keep well for 3 to 4 days but quality declines after that time. Allowing cooked chicken to sit in the refrigerator for longer than 5 days significantly raises the risks of food borne illnesses from bacterial growth. While leftovers may look and smell normal, bacteria levels may have risen to unsafe levels that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Reheating older chicken thoroughly until steaming hot can reduce some risks but does not make spoiled chicken safe to eat again. For best safety and quality, eat fully cooked chicken within 3 to 4 days and freeze any extras immediately after cooking. With sound refrigeration practices and by observing signs of freshness, you can both reduce food waste and enjoy delicious chicken leftovers without worrying about food poisoning.

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