How long can cooked chicken be safely stored in the fridge?

Wondering if that leftover chicken from last week is still good to eat? You're in the right place. Consuming chicken that's past its prime could lead to digestive issues. Whether it's grilled, fried, or baked, here's how long your cooked chicken stays fresh in the fridge, along with storage tips and signs of spoilage.

How long does cooked chicken remain safe to eat?

According to the USDA, cooked chicken can be stored for up to three to four days in the fridge, and up to two to three months in the freezer. After this period, bacteria may still grow, potentially causing foodborne illness, even at refrigeration temperatures.

You might think reheating it in the microwave would do the trick, but microwaves only heat food from the outside in. While they can kill surface bacteria, they won’t eliminate toxins produced by bacteria deeper inside the meat.

Bottom line: If your chicken has been sitting for five days, it's no longer safe to eat, even if you reheat it.

How to properly store cooked chicken in the fridge

To keep cooked chicken safe, store it in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. If chicken is left at room temperature for more than two hours, it enters the 'temperature danger zone'—between 40°F and 140°F—where bacteria multiply rapidly.

How to know if your chicken has spoiled

If you're unsure how long your chicken has been in the fridge, there are a few clear signs that it’s no longer safe to eat:

• Color: Chicken that has gone bad, whether cooked or raw, will begin to have a green/grayish hue.
• Smell: The classic smell test can come in handy when you're checking your chicken for spoilage. Chicken will begin to have an ammonia-like, or just an overall "off" smell. Seasonings and marinades can mask these smells, so you can't always rely on smell alone.
• Texture: A change in texture is another indicator of spoilage. Bad chicken will have a slimy film — a pretty strong deterrent to biting into that week-old chicken.

Here's a quick tip: Never taste your chicken to check if it's gone bad. Doing so could lead to a nasty stomach experience.

How to freeze and defrost cooked chicken

If you won't be eating your chicken within three to four days, freezing is your best option. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label it with the date, and store it for up to three months. Never freeze chicken that’s been left out at room temperature for more than two hours or has been in the fridge for over four days.

To defrost, place the chicken with its container in the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can use the microwave's defrost setting.