How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?

The UK FSA recommends cooked chicken is eaten within two to three days of cooking. The chicken must be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to ensure bacteria isn’t given the chance to grow.

This applies to a full cooked chicken and meals including chicken like pies, pastas, etc. Your fridge should be between 1 and 5℃ to ensure bacterial growth is minimised.

How long does cooked chicken last in the freezer?

You can keep chicken in the freezer for between two and six months, but it is best before the four-month mark. Your freezer should be -18°C or below to ensure food is properly frozen.

How to tell cooked chicken has gone off

The clearest signs that chicken has gone off is to check the smell and appearance of the chicken. Look out for the following signs:

• Smell – A sour or pungent scent. Fresh cooked chicken has a neutral smell
• Colour – Any green, grey or blue colouration
• Mould – Any visible sign of mould
• Texture – A slimy, sticky or mushy texture

The above can be signs of bacterial growth, including Salmonella and Listeria and shouldn’t be eaten.

Tips for storing cooked chicken

Once you’ve cooked your chicken, follow the tips below to avoid any bacterial growth:

• Loosely cover whilst cooling – this will help prevent bacteria from insects like flies
• Use an airtight container – this helps keep moisture and bacteria out
• Store at the top of the fridge – to avoid any cross-contamination
• Label your food – especially if you’re freezing
• Double-check the temperature – make sure your fridge/freezer is set to the right temperature
• Choose the right container – use a container that’s the right size for your chicken
• Chill in the fridge before freezing – once cool, chill for a couple of hours before freezing to avoid a loss of moisture
• Freeze as soon as it’s cool – avoid putting it in the fridge for long periods before freezing

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