How Long Does Cooked Chicken Stay Good in the Fridge?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 12, 2023

The FDA’s food handling guidelines state that cooked chicken or poultry leftovers, if refrigerated promptly, can keep for three to four days safely in the refrigerator. Processed chicken like nuggets or chicken dishes in sauce should be eaten promptly, within one or two days from preparation.

While cooked poultry can keep for several days in the refrigerator, fresh, uncooked poultry will only keep for a day or two.

Cooked chicken products can be frozen for up to four months for long-term storage. Processed chicken nuggets or patties have a slightly shorter frozen life and should be used within three months of freezing.