If you have leftover cooked chicken, you might be wondering, “How long can cooked chicken stay in the fridge?” While chicken is a great source of protein, improper storage can lead to spoilage and potential health risks.
Knowing the right storage time can help you avoid food waste and keep your meals safe to eat. I would like to share my tips for how long cooked chicken lasts in the refrigerator, how to store it properly, and when it’s time to toss it.
How Long Can Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Cooked chicken can typically last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly at or below 40°F (4°C), according to the USDA. This applies to all types of cooked chicken, whether it is grilled, roasted, boiled, or stir-fried. However, a few factors can influence how long it stays fresh, such as the storage conditions and handling practices.
Just remember, how long it stays fresh also depends on how you store and handle it. When you’re ready to reheat, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to kill any bacteria that might’ve grown. And here’s my tip: only reheat the amount you’re going to eat. Warming it up over and over again can mess with both the taste and safety of your food.
But if the chicken has not cooked yet, you can store it in the frozen fridge for up to a month. This is the method that I often do when I can not eat the raw chicken on the day.
Same question of this topic: How Long Does Cooked Ground Beef Last in The Fridge?
A Sample Chicken Recipe That Can Be Refrigerated
If you are looking for a delicious way to prepare chicken ahead of time and refrigerate between 3 and 4 days, consider this creamy garlic chicken recipe. This recipe that I often prepare for my family, it pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally (4 thin pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ cup (35 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- ½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock
- 300 ml (10 fl oz) thick (double/heavy) cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
To serve:
- Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta
- Steamed greens
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season the chicken
Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Press them into the flour to ensure an even coating.
- Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Tip: If the chicken is thick, adjust the chicken cook temp to medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes to ensure even cooking without burning.
- Prepare the sauce
- In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter and add the minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken stock and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it reduces by half.
- Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard, then lower the heat to medium. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in the Parmesan and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Combine and serve
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce. Let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, alongside steamed greens. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
How To Tell if Cooked Chicken is Still Safe to Eat?
Freshly cooked chicken should have a white or light brown color, depending on the cooking method. If it starts turning gray, greenish, or develops mold spots, there is a good chance the chicken has spoiled. Additionally, the texture can also reveal signs of spoilage. If the chicken feels slimy, sticky, or excessively dry, it is best to discard it. These tend to indicate bacterial growth and you could not eat or leave it for your pets.
You can check with the smell. If the chicken develops a sour, rotten, or ammonia-like odor, it is no longer safe to eat. The smell test is one of the most reliable ways to detect spoilage. So, if it smells off, do not take any chances.
Taste can confirm if cooked chicken has gone bad, although it’s not advisable to eat questionable food. If you take a bite and notice a sour, bitter, or unusual taste, it’s best to spit it out and throw the chicken away.
How to Store Cooked Chicken Properly?
As soon as you finish cooking the chicken, let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate it. Leaving it out at room temperature for too long can allow bacteria to grow rapidly. Chicken should not be left in the temperature danger zone, between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), for more than two hours or one hour in hot conditions.
Store the chicken in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air and bacteria. The refrigerator temperature should always be set at 40°F (4°C) or below to slow down bacterial growth. When stored correctly, cooked chicken can last for up to four days in the fridge.
Last But Not Least
Knowing how to store cooked chicken properly is key to keeping it safe to eat. A common question people ask is, “How long can cooked chicken last in the fridge?” The answer is about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Remember to reheat it to the internal temperature of cooked chicken ~165°F (75°C) before eating. No matter how you store it, always check for changes in color, texture, smell, or taste before eating. When in doubt, it is better to be safe and throw it out. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your cooked chicken with peace of mind.
