Poultry
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken keeps 3–4 days in the fridge — freeze it tonight if you won’t finish it by then.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge | 3–4 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer | 4–6 months |
| Safe minimum temp | 165°F |
Can you freeze cooked chicken? YES, FREEZE IT →
Can it sit out?
Cooked chicken is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if cooked chicken has gone bad
- A sour or sulfur smell when the container opens
- A slimy or tacky film on the meat
- Gray or greenish patches
When in doubt, throw it out.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F — steaming hot all the way through, not just warm at the edges.
Quick answers
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken keeps 3–4 days in the fridge — freeze it tonight if you won’t finish it by then.
Can you freeze cooked chicken?
Cooked chicken freezes clean — pull it off the bone, portion it, and it holds 4–6 months.
How long can cooked chicken sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to cooked chicken. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).