These times assume your refrigerator stays at 40°F or below, the USDA's limit for safe cold storage. Above that, bacteria multiply quickly, so a fridge thermometer is worth having if yours doesn't show its temperature.
How long cooked chicken and similar foods last
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken and other cooked meat leftovers | 3–4 days | 2–3 months | — |
| Rotisserie chicken | 3–4 days from purchase | 4 months | — |
| Fried chicken | 3–4 days | 4 months | — |
| Chicken pieces in gravy or broth | 3–4 days | 1–2 months | — |
| Chicken salad | 3–4 days | Not recommended | — |
| Chicken nuggets and patties (frozen, after thawing) | 1–2 days after thawing | 1–3 months | — |
"From purchase" times count from the day you buy it. Times for cooked food count from when it was cooked.
How long does cooked chicken last in the freezer?
Cooked chicken keeps 2 to 3 months in the freezer at 0°F. Food kept frozen at 0°F stays safe indefinitely, so that time is about quality: after it, texture and flavor start to suffer. Wrap it airtight, or vacuum seal it, to prevent freezer burn, and thaw in the refrigerator.
How to store cooked chicken
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking or buying (1 hour if it's above 90°F).
- Keep the fridge at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F.
- Store leftovers in shallow, airtight containers so they cool quickly and don't pick up odors.
- Reheat cooked chicken to 165°F, measured with a food thermometer.
- Cut large amounts into smaller pieces or shallow containers so they cool quickly.
Check your fridge is at 40°F
Pecula Refrigerator Thermometer (2-Pack)
Dial thermometers for the fridge and freezer, marked with safe zones. Over 32,000 Amazon ratings.
Shallow, airtight leftover storage
Pyrex Simply Store Glass Containers (12-Pack)
Glass containers from 1 to 4 cups with lids that are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
Longer freezer quality
Nesco Deluxe VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
Removes air and double-seals bags to prevent freezer burn, with dry and moist food settings.
How long can cooked chicken sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F. After that, throw it out.
Can you tell if cooked chicken has gone bad?
Not reliably. The bacteria that cause food poisoning generally don't change how food looks, smells, or tastes, according to the USDA. Go by how long it's been in the fridge, not the sniff test, and when in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently asked questions
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
3 to 4 days after cooking, according to USDA FoodKeeper data. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Can you freeze cooked chicken?
Yes. Cooked chicken keeps 2 to 3 months in the freezer at 0°F for best quality. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely, but quality drops over time.
How long can cooked chicken sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F. After that, throw it out.
How long other foods last
- Raw Chicken: 1 to 2 days in the fridge
- Rotisserie Chicken: 3 to 4 days in the fridge
- Chicken Salad: 3 to 4 days in the fridge
- Turkey: 3 to 4 days in the fridge
See the full food storage chart for more than 600 foods. Shopping for a new fridge? Our guide to the best refrigerators and the refrigerator size chart can help, and how long refrigerators last covers when to replace an old one.
Sources
Storage times are from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's FoodKeeper data, version 128. Food safety rules are from FSIS guidance.
- USDA FSIS, FoodKeeper data (version 128) www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app
- USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
- USDA FSIS, Refrigeration and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration