How long is chicken good for?
Wondering how long that chicken will last in the fridge or freezer? Cooked or raw, stored in the fridge or in the freezer, I’ve got all the answers for you, with a handy chart for easy reference. Whether you buy chicken breast, thighs, drumsticks, wings, or a whole chicken, you’re going to need to store it until you’re ready to cook and eat it. And it’s the same regardless of which part you use, boneless or bone-in, skinless or skin-on. Proper storage is really important to make sure your chicken lasts as long as possible, and is safe to cook and eat.
How long does chicken last in the fridge or freezer (chart)
Keep reading for more details on storage times for uncooked vs cooked chicken, in the fridge and in the freezer.
How long is rotisserie chicken good for?
Rotisserie chicken (or any pre-cooked chicken) can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
What is fresh chicken vs frozen chicken?
Throughout this post, I’ll be referring to chicken as fresh, frozen, pre-cooked, or cooked. For reference, here’s what that means:
Fresh: raw, uncooked, and chilled/refrigerated; and has never been frozen. Frozen: uncooked and frozen. Pre-cooked: cooked and prepared before purchase (like a rotisserie chicken). Cooked: cooked by you at home.
How long does chicken last in the refrigerator?
2-5 Days Chicken will last in the refrigerator for about 2-5 days, depending on if it’s cooked or uncooked.
Fresh: Raw chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. So cook it within 2 days, or else move it to the freezer until you need it. Cooked: If you buy it pre-cooked (rotisserie), or cook it yourself, store it in the fridge and eat it within 3-5 days. Otherwise, you should store it in the freezer instead. Frozen: If you buy frozen chicken, you can store it in the fridge for 2-3 days before cooking it. It will defrost/thaw in that time, and will need to be re-frozen if not used in that timeframe.
How long does chicken last in the freezer?
4 months – 1 year (Indefinitely if Uncooked) When properly stored in the freezer, raw chicken technically lasts indefinitely. This is what makes chicken one of my favorite things to keep on hand for easy dinners. It will keep for a very long time, regardless of whether you buy it fresh or frozen.
Uncooked (Raw): If you are storing uncooked chicken in the freezer, it will be safe to eat indefinitely. Chicken does lose quality over time in the freezer, but it will still be safe to eat long-term. For best quality, I recommend using frozen chicken within 1 year. Cooked: If you are storing cooked chicken, freeze it for up to 4 months. Eating it within this time will result in the best quality.
How to Store Chicken Properly
Storing chicken properly is important for food safety and quality. Follow these guidelines for storage to make sure your chicken will last in the freezer or fridge as long as possible.
Storing in the Refrigerator
Fresh: Keep fresh chicken in its original packaging, and immediately store it in the refrigerator when you get home from the grocery store. Place it on a lower shelf, away from other foods (especially fresh foods/produce and unpackaged foods). Frozen: Keep frozen chicken in its original packaging, and store as directed above. Since it’s frozen, it will thaw in the fridge in about 1-2 days, and you can keep it refrigerated for 1-2 more days (2-4 days total). Only do this if you plan to cook it promptly, or else put it in the freezer. Pre-cooked/Cooked: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. You can use shallow containers or resealable bags. Just be sure to remove all air and fully seal it. It will keep for 3-5 days.
Storing in the Freezer
Fresh: Keep fresh chicken in its original packaging to freeze. It will be fine in the freezer as is, as long as the packaging has not been opened or tampered with. If you want to store it for more than 2 months, I recommend wrapping the packaging tightly with heavy duty foil, or place it inside a freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn so that it lasts longer. Frozen: If you buy frozen chicken, place it in the freezer as soon as you get home from the supermarket. It will be freezer safe in its original packaging. Follow the guidelines above if you want to store it long-term. Pre-cooked/Cooked: Let cooked chicken cool, then place in the fridge for at least a few hours. Then wrap pieces in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Eat within 4 months for best quality.
Is chicken okay to eat after the “sell by” or “best by” date?
Yes, chicken is safe to eat past the best used by date on the package. Sell by, best used by, and expiration dates on poultry are generally for reference by the supermarket or seller, rather than the consumer. This date tells a grocery store when they need to throw out chicken instead of selling it. For consumers (you, the person cooking and eating it), “best used by” date is more for quality assurance. Do not buy chicken at the store that has passed the date on the package (choose something with a later date if possible). But once you have it at home, follow all of the guidelines here about storing it in the freezer or fridge. For example, if you buy chicken on the “best used by” date, store it in the fridge, and cook it within 1-2 days, it is totally safe to eat. Otherwise, you should freeze it. If the chicken is stored in the freezer (continuously, without thawing), then you can safely cook and consume it well after that date, indefinitely. Now that you know everything you could possibly be wondering about how long chicken will last, you can safely store it away for cooking and eating. Store chicken properly in the refrigerator or the freezer, and it will be there for you whenever you need it!
