How Long Can I Keep Cooked Chicken in the Fridge?

How Long Can I Keep Cooked Chicken in the Fridge?

‘How long can I keep cooked chicken in the fridge’ is a popular question we’ve been asked time and time again. This is why we’re resurfacing this article again, in case you’re still unsure. Because nobody wants food poisoning…

Dear Lifehacker, I’ve been wondering about the appropriate cold storage instructions for cooked poultry. If refrigerated right after cooking, how long does cooked chicken last in the fridge? All the U.S. government sites suggest 3 to 4 days, but I can’t find any reference points for Australia. Can you help? Thanks, Aspiring Colonel.

Dear AC,

Good question. The first point is that the basic rules of refrigerating food aren’t going to vary dramatically between the U.S. and Australia. The second point is that guidelines are just that: guidelines. The effectiveness of your refrigerator and the way you have cooked the chicken can both make a difference.

With that in mind, the CSIRO has a handy set of guidelines on how to store food. They recommend no more than three days for poultry, and 3-5 days for leftovers, presuming your fridge is running at between 0 and 3 degrees Celsius. (It’s worth giving your fridge a regular check-ver anyway.)

If you want to reduce the risk of food poisoning (we all do, right?), our previous advice — wait until the cooked food has stopped steaming, and then freeze it immediately — is still the best option. You won’t have the convenience of being able to eat it straight from the fridge, but you should be safe from any unexpected bacteria this way.

Cheers,
Lifehacker

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This article on cooked chicken in the fridge has been updated since its original publication date.


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