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How long does cooked chicken last?
Cooked chicken keeps a few days in the fridge and freezes well for batch cooking.
in the fridge
3–4 days
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and eat within four days.
Cooked chicken storage times compared
| Storage | Keeps for | |
|---|---|---|
| ❄️ Fridge | 3–4 days | |
| 🧊 Freezer | 2–6 months |
Times assume a fridge at or below 4°C / 40°F and a freezer at -18°C / 0°F.
🛒 Store it better
Keep cooked chicken fresher for longer with the right glass meal-prep containers.
Shop glass meal-prep containers →How to tell if cooked chicken has gone bad
- Slimy texture or grey color
- Off, sour or rotten smell
- Visible mold
Storage tips
- Cool it quickly and store in shallow airtight containers.
- Reheat to 74°C / 165°F before eating.
Frequently asked questions
- Is cooked chicken good after 5 days?
- Four days is the safe limit in the fridge — when in doubt, throw it out.