How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge – Raw or Cooked?

Have you ever asked yourself how long does chicken last in the fridge?

So, you are going to pull out that chicken that’s been sitting in the refrigerator a few days for a backyard barbecue. 

Or you plan to eat those leftovers you placed in the fridge yesterday. 

If I were you I would think twice before you do it.

In this guide, we discuss how long raw and cooked chicken lasts in the fridge. The answer is 1-2 days if its raw or 3-4 days if it is cooked.

We also discuss how to tell if chicken has gone bad, how to store chicken for freshness, and the risks of eating spoiled chicken. 

Keep reading to find out more!

How Long Does Raw Chicken Last in the Fridge

When you store raw chicken in the fridge, it’s important to know how long it’s safe to keep it.

Generally, raw chicken can safely stay in the fridge for one to two days according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This short time frame is because chicken is a perishable item and can harbor bacteria.

How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge

The USDA says that cooked chicken can last three to four days in the refrigerator, if stored at 40°F or less. And that goes for any type of cooked chicken—store-bought, homemade, or restaurant leftovers.

How To Store Chicken in the Fridge and Freezer

It’s crucial to store chicken at the right temperature. Your fridge should be set at 40°F (4°C) or lower. This cold environment slows down bacterial growth, helping keep the chicken safe to eat. 

Follow the steps below:

1. Store cooked chicken in the fridge in an airtight container. This keeps it safe from bacteria and prevents it from drying out.
2. Label and date with the day it was prepared.
3. Refrigerate leftover chicken within two hours of it sitting at room temperature. 
4. If you don’t think you will eat it within four days, freeze it.  Place it in a zip-top freezer bag, and press out as much air as possible before sealing it.
5. Place the chicken in the freezer.

Chicken placed in the freezer will last for up to a year. However, the longer it stays in the freezer, the higher the chance that the flavor and texture will deteriorate.

How to Tell if Chicken Has Gone Bad

Telling if chicken has gone bad is important for your health. Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Smell: Fresh chicken has a mild or even no smell. If your chicken smells sour or unpleasant, it’s likely gone bad.
2. Color: Look at the color. Fresh chicken is usually a light pink color. If it turns grayish or dull, that’s a bad sign.
3. Texture: Feel the chicken. It should be slightly moist but not slimy. If it feels sticky or slimy, it’s not safe to eat.
4. Taste (applies to cooked chicken only): If you’re unsure and decide to taste it, a bad flavor is a clear sign it’s spoiled. But it’s best to check the other signs first to avoid tasting spoiled food.
5. Expiration Date: If it’s past this date, it’s best to avoid using the chicken.
6. Mold: If you see any mold or green spots, throw the chicken away.

Remember, if you’re in doubt, the best thing to do is throw it out.

It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.

Risks of Eating Spoiled Chicken

Eating spoiled chicken by mistake can be risky. According to the USDA, chicken that has gone bad can have harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. These bacteria can survive even if you cook the chicken.

If you eat chicken that’s spoiled, you might get food poisoning. Symptoms can include stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. These usually start a few hours to several days after eating the bad chicken.

It’s important to be careful. If you feel very sick after eating spoiled chicken, you should see a doctor. Most people get better on their own, but sometimes you might need extra help.

To avoid this, always check your chicken before cooking to stay safe.

What Do the Dates on Packaging Mean

1. Sell-By Date: This tells the store how long to display the product for sale. It’s about quality, not safety. The food can still be good after this date, but it might not be at its best.
2. Best By or Use By Date: This is the manufacturer’s suggestion for when the product will be at its peak quality. It’s not a safety date. You can often use the product after this date, but its taste or texture might not be as good.
3. Expiration Date: This is more serious. It’s the last day the manufacturer guarantees the product’s quality and safety. After this date, it’s best to toss it out.

With most foods, your senses are a good guide. If it looks, smells, and tastes okay, it’s probably fine. 

How Long is Chicken Good for After the Sell-By Date

Chicken is usually good for 1-2 days after the sell-by date if you keep it in the fridge.

When you freeze chicken, the sell-by date doesn’t matter as much. You can freeze chicken before its sell-by date and it will be good for about 9 months to a year. Freezing stops the chicken from going bad.

The Bottom Line

In this post, we answered the question of how long does chicken last in the fridge. And it is not very long. Not even a week, raw or cooked. 

Whether you plan to chow down on some leftover chicken or cook it for dinner make sure it is fresh using the guidelines we provide.

Pay attention to your senses, and the dates on the packaging.

If you are not sure that is safe to eat, toss it in the trash. 

For more BBQ and grilling tips, check out our helpful guides!

If you have any questions we welcome your comments below.