How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Quick answer: cooked chicken keeps 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and 2 to 6 months in the freezer for best quality. Raw chicken keeps only 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours of cooking.
Chicken storage chart
| Chicken | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Raw chicken, whole or pieces | 1-2 days | 9-12 months |
| Raw ground chicken | 1-2 days | 3-4 months |
| Cooked chicken, pieces or dishes | 3-4 days | 2-6 months |
| Rotisserie chicken | 3-4 days | 2-4 months |
| Chicken nuggets or patties, cooked | 3-4 days | 1-3 months |
| Chicken soup or broth, homemade | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Deli chicken, opened | 3-5 days | 1-2 months |
Times follow USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidance. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°C); freezer times are for quality.
Why 3 to 4 days?
Bacteria such as Listeria can grow slowly even at refrigerator temperatures, and some food poisoning bacteria do not change how chicken looks or smells. The 3 to 4 day window keeps the risk low. Label containers with the date so you do not have to guess.
How to store cooked chicken
- Cool it quickly. Refrigerate within 2 hours, or 1 hour if it is above 90°F (32°C). See how long food can sit out.
- Divide large amounts into shallow containers so they chill fast.
- Take meat off the bone of a whole rotisserie chicken before storing.
- Freeze what you will not eat within 3 days. Thaw it in the fridge. See how to thaw meat safely.
How to reheat chicken safely
Reheat leftover chicken to 165°F (74°C), checked with a food thermometer in the thickest part. Stir or turn it halfway through in the microwave, because microwaves heat unevenly. Reheat leftovers only once if you can.
Signs cooked chicken has gone bad
- Sour or unpleasant smell
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Gray or green color, or visible mold
If any of these appear, throw it out. If it is past 4 days, throw it out even if it seems fine, because bacteria that cause illness often do not cause these signs.
Frequently asked questions
Can you eat cooked chicken after 5 days? It is not recommended. USDA guidance is 3 to 4 days.
How long does rotisserie chicken last? 3 to 4 days in the fridge, and it should be refrigerated within 2 hours of purchase.
How long does raw chicken last in the fridge? 1 to 2 days. Cook or freeze it by then.
For cooking temperatures, see our safe internal cooking temperatures chart and how long to bake chicken breast.