How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Learn the safe storage times for raw and cooked chicken in the refrigerator, freezer, and at room temperature. Get expert tips to prevent foodborne illness.
Quick Answer
Raw chicken lasts 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
Cooked chicken lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Store chicken in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags.
Chicken Storage Times
Raw Chicken
Raw chicken should be used within 1-2 days of purchase or thawing. Store on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination.
Cooked Chicken
Cooked chicken can be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store in shallow, airtight containers to cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
Why These Time Limits Matter
These storage times are based on food safety guidelines from the USDA and FDA. Chicken is particularly susceptible to bacterial growth, including Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause foodborne illness. Following these guidelines helps prevent food poisoning.
How to Tell If Chicken Has Gone Bad
Sour or ammonia-like smell
Fresh chicken has a mild smell. A strong, unpleasant odor indicates spoilage.
Slimy texture
Fresh chicken should feel moist but not slimy. A sticky or slimy film indicates bacterial growth.
Color changes to gray or green
Fresh chicken is pink. Gray, green, or yellow discoloration indicates spoilage.
Mold growth
Any visible mold on chicken means it should be discarded immediately.
Pink, firm texture
Raw chicken should have a pink, firm texture. This indicates freshness.
Mild smell", firm texture. This indicates freshness.
Mild smell
Fresh chicken has a mild, neutral smell. This indicates freshness.
Important Safety Note
When in doubt, throw it out. Never taste chicken to determine if it has spoiled. Even if chicken looks and smells fine, it can still harbor harmful bacteria if stored improperly or for too long.
Chicken Storage Tips
Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination from drips
Keep chicken in its original packaging until ready to use, or transfer to an airtight container
For freezer storage, wrap tightly in freezer paper or place in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn
Label packages with the date of storage to track freshness
Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, not at room temperature
Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour in hot weather)
Recommended Storage Containers
For optimal chicken storage, we recommend using airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. These help prevent cross-contamination and maintain freshness.
Glass Containers
Vacuum Sealer
Freezer Bags
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if chicken has gone bad?
Check for a sour smell, slimy texture, or color changes to gray, green, or yellow. Any of these signs indicate spoilage.
Read more about thisCan you cook chicken that has been in the fridge for 3 days?
Raw chicken should be cooked within 1-2 days of refrigeration. After 3 days, it's safer to discard it.
Read more about thisHow long can cooked chicken sit out?
Cooked chicken should not sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour if above 90°F/32°C).
Read more about thisHow long does chicken last in the freezer?
Raw chicken lasts 9-12 months in the freezer, while cooked chicken lasts 2-6 months when properly stored.
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