Cooked chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when kept at 40°F (4°C) or below. This is the general recommendation from the USDA and multiple food safety sources
. Key points for storing cooked chicken safely include:
- Refrigerate the cooked chicken within 2 hours of cooking to slow bacterial growth
- Store it in an airtight container or tightly sealed packaging to maintain freshness and prevent contamination
- Label the container with the date to keep track of how long it has been stored
Signs that cooked chicken has gone bad include:
- A slimy or sticky texture
- An off or sour smell
- Discoloration such as gray, green, or yellow patches
If any of these signs are present, or if the chicken has been stored longer than 4 days, it should be discarded to avoid foodborne illness
. For longer storage, cooked chicken can be frozen for 2 to 6 months to maintain quality
. In summary, cooked chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge if properly stored and refrigerated promptly after cooking. Beyond this timeframe, the risk of spoilage and bacterial growth increases significantly.
