How Long Does Raw or Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?

PDF download Download Article
Plus, how to tell if raw or cooked chicken has gone bad
PDF download Download Article

Storing raw or cooked chicken in the fridge keeps it fresh when you plan on cooking or eating it soon. But how soon is "soon"? Don't worry, we've got the answers! Keep reading to learn how long you can safely store chicken in your refrigerator, whether it's fresh and raw from the grocery store or already cooked. We'll also share the telltale signs of spoilage so you don't accidentally get food poisoning.

How long is chicken good for in the fridge?

Raw chicken is good for 1-2 days in the fridge, while cooked chicken is good for 3-4 days. To avoid food poisoning, always check the meat for signs of spoilage before cooking or eating it, such as a gray color, foul smell, or past due expiration date. If you notice any of these signs, throw it in the trash.

Section 1 of 4:

How long is raw chicken good in the fridge?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Store raw chicken in the fridge for 1-2 days. According to FoodSafety.gov , you can safely store raw whole chicken or chicken pieces (i.e., breasts, wings, drumsticks, etc.) in your refrigerator for 1-2 days. You can either cook it within that time or move it to the freezer. After 1-2 days, the chicken will begin to spoil and is no longer safe to eat, so throw it away. [1]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How long is cooked chicken good in the fridge?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Store cooked chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days. Don't throw away your leftover chicken dishes! Instead, store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Eat it or freeze it within that time, or pop it in the freezer to reheat in the coming weeks or months. [2]
    • The 3-4 day time frame applies to all cooked chicken, including: grilled, boiled, fried chicken; rotisserie chicken; and chicken patties and nuggets.
Section 3 of 4:

How to Tell If Chicken Has Gone Bad

PDF download Download Article
  1. Check for a gray color, a foul smell, or a past due expiration date. If your raw chicken has gone bad, says private chef Ashley Crawford, it may look gray instead of bright pink. Both raw and cooked chicken may also have a foul smell when it starts to spoil. Finally, look at the expiration date on the package. "It's there for a reason!" says Crawford. [3] If it's past that date, toss the chicken in the trash.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Other Chicken Preparation Resources

PDF download Download Article
  1. Learn to refrigerate, freeze, thaw, and cook chicken safely. Cooking with chicken and other meat can seem intimidating at first, which is why we're here to help ease your anxiety! The articles below will help you take the guesswork out of poultry preparation and storage, so you can enjoy delicious meals without fear of getting sick.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Store Roasted Garlic
      Has Your Hummus Gone Bad? Spoilage Signs to Look Out For
      Does Popcorn Go Bad? What You Need to Know
      How to
      Tell if Sour Cream Is Bad: How Long Does It Last?
      Easy Ways to Store Mussels in the Refrigerator & Freezer
      The Best Ways to Store Fresh Garlic So It Stays Strong
      How to
      Store Corn on the Cob
      How to
      Store Rice Cakes
      How to
      Cook a Whole Chicken in the Oven
      Discussion
      How do you tell if eggs are bad?
      How to
      Tell if Something is Freezer Burned (and How to Prevent It)
      How to
      Brown Chicken
      How Long Do Olives Last? (And How to Tell If They’ve Gone Bad)
      3 Ways to Store Fresh Homemade Pasta
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts
      2. ↑ https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts
      3. ↑ Ashley Crawford. Private Chef. Expert Interview

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 15 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement