Fried chicken is a delicious, crispy, juicy staple food for many. The crunch of the breading paired with the tender, moist chicken inside is hard to resist! However, as we all know, leftovers don’t keep forever. So how long is fried chicken still safe and tasty to eat after cooking? Let’s take a look at what food safety experts say.
How long does fried chicken last in the fridge?
The USDA recommends consuming fried chicken within 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness and safety, fried chicken leftovers should be stored in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Make sure to refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. The cold temperature of the refrigerator (40° F or below) helps slow bacteria growth.
While it may still be safe to eat for a few days after that, the taste and texture quality will decline. The breading may soak up moisture and become soggy. The chicken meat can also become slimy or develop an “off” flavor. Many people find the taste unappealing after about 4 days.
So for highest quality, it’s best to eat leftover fried chicken within 3-4 days. Discard any remaining chicken after that. Don’t risk foodborne illness.
What causes fried chicken to go bad?
Two main factors lead to fried chicken spoilage:
Bacteria Growth
Like any perishable cooked food, bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli can grow over time on fried chicken. These bacteria multiply fastest at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, known as the “danger zone.” Extended time within this temperature range allows bacteria to reach unsafe levels that can lead to food poisoning.
Refrigerating fried chicken prevents most bacteria growth. However, it’s important to limit the total time spent in the danger zone during storage. Discard chicken if left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
Loss of Quality
Over time, fried chicken will dry out and taste stale. The crunchy crust softens as it absorbs liquid from the chicken juices. Oxidation also causes the development of “off” flavors. These quality changes don’t necessarily make the chicken unsafe, but rather less palatable.
How to tell if fried chicken has gone bad
Watch for these signs that indicate spoilage:
– Slimy texture or mushy meat
– Dry, crumbly breading
– “Off” odors
– Mold growth
– Discoloration
– Sour taste
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled fried chicken.
Tips for leftovers
To maximize the shelf life and freshness of your leftover fried chicken:
– Allow to cool before refrigerating. Divide into shallow containers to cool faster.
– Refrigerate within 2 hours after cooking.
– Store in airtight containers or resealable bags. Limit air exposure.
– Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
– Inspect leftovers thoroughly and throw out any chicken with an off odor, appearance, or gummy/mushy texture.
– Don’t freeze fried chicken. The breading will become soggy once thawed.
Can you reheat fried chicken?
Yes, you can safely reheat leftover fried chicken. However, the texture will become more soggy with each reheating. For food safety, remember:
– Only reheat once. Don’t keep reheating leftovers.
– Use within 3-4 days.
– Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
– Opt for oven heating instead of the microwave to maintain the crunchiness of the crust.
Frying chicken again
You can revive leftover fried chicken by frying it a second time. Double-frying helps remove moisture and recrisp the crust.
To double-fry:
– Thoroughly heat oil to 350-375°F. Use a cooking thermometer.
– Fry the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes until crispy and hot throughout.
– Drain on paper towels.
– Only double-fry chicken stored properly in the fridge for no more than 4 days.
The high heat helps kill bacteria. But take care to heat the center of each piece to 165°F for food safety.
Can you eat fried chicken after 5 days?
It’s not recommended to eat fried chicken leftovers after 5 days in the refrigerator. At this point, the risk of bacterial growth becomes unsafe. The overall quality also declines significantly.
According to USDA guidelines, you should discard cooked fried chicken after 3-4 days even when refrigerated properly.
By 5 days, the chicken will likely be far too soggy and dried out. The meat may be starting to spoil and have an unappealing smell or slimy texture when handled. At this stage, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it out.
If accidentally left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, the chicken should be discarded, regardless of how recently it was cooked. Dangerous bacteria multiply rapidly above 40°F.
Other safety risks
Besides potential bacterial contamination, improperly handled fried chicken can also pose other safety issues:
Acrylamide
Frying starchy foods like battered chicken at high temperatures may produce small amounts of acrylamide, a potential carcinogen. Acrylamide forms when certain sugars and proteins react during high-heat cooking above 120°C (250°F).
According to FDA testing, fried chicken has relatively low acrylamide levels compared to other fried foods. Still, it’s recommended to avoid over-browning. Cook chicken until golden yellow rather than dark brown.
Trans Fats
The hydrogenated vegetable oil used for many fried foods contains artery-clogging trans fats. However, many restaurants have now switched to trans fat-free oils. Check menus and ask questions to avoid this risk.
Allergens
Fried chicken is typically breaded with wheat flour and fried in peanut or soybean oil. These ingredients can cause allergic reactions in those with food sensitivities. Carefully read ingredient labels if food allergies are a concern.
Healthier alternatives
If giving up your fried chicken fix seems too hard, some healthier cooking methods and swaps include:
– Oven-bake chicken pieces on a wire rack to allow fat to drip away.
– Try pan-searing chicken in just a tablespoon of oil to get a crispy skin.
– Coat chicken in crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for crunch without deep-frying.
– Remove and discard the fatty skin after cooking to lower the saturated fat content.
– Enjoy fried chicken as an occasional treat in moderation. Focus on balanced eating of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Summary
For safety and quality, fried chicken leftovers are best within 3-4 days when refrigerated properly. Discard any remaining chicken after 5 days in the fridge. Storing in airtight containers helps maintain freshness and delays drying out. Limit time in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F to avoid bacteria overgrowth. Signs of spoiled chicken include off-smells, gummy textures, and funky colors. While less healthy than other cooking methods, enjoying fried chicken in moderation can still fit into a balanced diet. With proper handling, leftovers allow you to continue enjoying this crispy, juicy favorite.
