How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. Freeze it within that window to keep it for 2–6 months.
Day by day in the fridge
- Day 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Signs it has gone bad
- Sour, ammonia-like or "off" smell
- Slimy or sticky surface
- Grey or green discoloration, or visible mold
No signs doesn't mean safe. Food-poisoning bacteria usually don't change smell or look, so go by time.
How to store it
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Split large amounts into shallow containers so they cool quickly.
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) until steaming hot all the way through.
- Label containers with the date so you know when day 4 arrives.
Check yours
Questions people ask
Is cooked chicken still safe after 5 days in the fridge?
Food safety agencies recommend eating or freezing cooked chicken within 3–4 days. After that, harmful bacteria such as Listeria can grow even if the chicken looks and smells fine, so it is safest to throw it out.
Can I freeze cooked chicken after 3 days in the fridge?
Yes. You can freeze it at any point within the 3–4 day window. Freezing pauses bacterial growth but does not kill bacteria, so freeze it as soon as you know you will not eat it in time.
Does smell tell me if cooked chicken is safe?
Not reliably. A bad smell means it has spoiled, but the bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the smell, taste or look of food. Go by time, not smell.
Sources
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and Food Safety
- USDA FSIS: Chicken from Farm to Table
- FoodSafety.gov: Cold Food Storage Chart
General food safety information, not medical advice. Times assume a fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below and a freezer at 0°F (-18°C). If you're pregnant, older, very young or immunocompromised, follow stricter limits.