If stored properly (in a ziplock storage bag or sealed container), the USDA says that cooked chicken can last three to four days in the refrigerator.
The USDA says that chicken is safe for up to four days in the fridge before you need to throw it out. If you're on day five, it's time to toss it.
According to the USDA, cooked chicken will last three to four days in the refrigerator, and two to three months in the freezer. Eating cooked chicken after this point can result in foodborne illness — even at refrigerated temperatures, bacteria can still grow.
Rotisserie chickens are generally considered safe to eat after three to four days, but if you store them properly in the fridge, they can last up to a week.
According to the USDA, rotisserie chicken will stay good for up to seven days in the refrigerator if kept at 40°F or below. However, if you keep the chicken above 50°F, the USDA says it will only last two days.
In most cases, chicken that is 5 days past the sell-by date should be tossed. Even with proper storage in the fridge, raw poultry will eventually start to grow bacteria that can result in food poisoning, so it's best to err on the side of caution.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recommendations, leftover cooked chicken should be refrigerated at 40 F (or less) and used within 3 to 4 days.
Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away.
Storing Chicken in the Fridge
No need to stash it in the freezer — it's OK to store raw chicken (whole or in pieces) for 1–2 days in the fridge. If you have leftovers that include cooked chicken, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Leftovers should be stored in the fridge as soon as hot food has stopped steaming. Cooked chicken should be used within two to three days, or one day if you are pregnant, immunocompromised or elderly. Freeze if more than two days' storage is required.
If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever after eating undercooked meat, seek a diagnosis from a medical institution immediately. The symptoms of food poisoning from meat generally occur within seven days after eating.
"Cooked chicken will start to appear gray or greenish, and have a softer or slimier texture when it starts to go bad; as well as a foul smell. Cooked chicken may also develop mold or white patches on it, which indicates it has gone bad," says Katie Tomaschko, M.S., RDN.
In the refrigerator, a whole rotisserie chicken will stay fresh for up to four days. The meat should be stored in an airtight container or wrap and placed in the coldest part of your refrigerator, such as the lowest shelf. If you don't plan on eating it within that time frame, you can freeze it for up to two months.
Some bacteria associated with chicken are Salmonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).
USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.
Frequently Asked Questions. How long does rotisserie chicken last in the fridge? Rotisserie chicken lasts for up to four days if cooked and stored correctly. Keep the chicken in an airtight container or Zip-loc bag, and do not consume leftover chicken if left at room temperature for an extended time.
Chicken Breast: A cooked chicken breast can last around three to four days in the fridge, and a raw chicken breast can last up to two days.
Use or freeze beef, veal, pork, and lamb products with a "Sell-By" date within 3 to 5 days of purchase. Fresh chicken, turkey, ground meat, and ground poultry should be cooked or frozen within 1 to 2 days of purchase.
If kept frozen continuously, chicken will be safe indefinitely, so after freezing, it's not important if any package dates expire. For best quality, taste and texture, keep whole raw chicken in the freezer up to one year; parts, 9 months; and giblets or ground chicken, 3 to 4 months.
As for the smell—spoiled chicken smells, well, bad. As in ammonia, or rotten eggs, or just plain pungent. Even fresh chicken smells like something, but it shouldn't smell funky. If yours does then it's probably spoiled.
How Long Can You Keep Rotisserie Chicken? Cut it into several pieces and refrigerate it in a covered container for up to four days or freeze it. Frozen leftovers are safe indefinitely but best eaten within four months, after which moisture and flavor is compromised.
Unless the cooked chicken is kept warm, above 140°F, the general rule of thumb for cooked chicken is that it should not sit out on your kitchen table or buffet for more than two hours. Any cooked chicken left at room temperature for more than two hours should probably be thrown out.
"It can take time, but eventually our bodies would become deficient in the vitamins and minerals not present in chicken." If you eat only chicken for long enough, you would become so depleted in vitamin C, for instance, that you could run the risk of developing scurvy, Meshulam says.