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

Download Article

Plus, how to tell if raw or cooked chicken has gone bad

Co-authored by Ashley Crawford and Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: February 10, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

Raw Chicken

|

Cooked Chicken

|

Freezer Storage Duration

|

Signs of Spoilage

|

Prepping & Storing Other Meats

Storing raw or cooked chicken in the fridge keeps it fresh when you plan on cooking or eating it soon. But how soon is "soon"? Don't worry, we've got the answers! Keep reading to learn how long you can safely store chicken in your refrigerator, whether it's fresh and raw from the grocery store or already cooked. We'll also share the telltale signs of spoilage so you don't accidentally get food poisoning.

How long is chicken good for in the fridge?

Download Image

A graphic showing how long chicken is good for in the fridge, with an illustration of raw chicken under text that reads “1-2 days” and cooked chicken under text that reads “3-4 days.”

Raw chicken is good for 1-2 days in the fridge, while cooked chicken is good for 3-4 days. To avoid food poisoning, always check the meat for signs of spoilage before cooking or eating it, such as a gray color, foul smell, or past due expiration date. If you notice any of these signs, throw it in the trash.

Section 1 of 5:

How long is raw chicken good in the fridge?

Download Article

Store raw chicken in the fridge for 1-2 days. According to FoodSafety.gov, you can safely store raw whole chicken or chicken pieces (i.e., breasts, wings, drumsticks, etc.) in your refrigerator for 1-2 days. You can either cook it within 1-2 days or move it to the freezer. After 1-2 days, the chicken will begin to spoil and is no longer safe to eat, so throw it away.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Go to source}
- Storing raw chicken: If the original package is unopened, put it on a plate or a tray to prevent the juices from leaking out onto your refrigerator shelves and other food.^{[2]
  X
  Research source} If the package is opened, transfer the raw chicken to a plastic freezer bag with a zip top. Remember to squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it!

Section 2 of 5:

How long is cooked chicken good in the fridge?

Download Article

Store cooked chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days. Don't throw away your leftover chicken dishes! Instead, store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Eat it or freeze it within that time, or pop it in the freezer to reheat in the coming weeks or months.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source

FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Go to source}
- The 3-4 day time frame applies to all cooked chicken, including: grilled, boiled, fried chicken; rotisserie chicken; and chicken patties and nuggets.
- Storing cooked chicken: Place cooked chicken in a glass or plastic container with an airtight lid. Alternatively, put it in a zip-top plastic freezer bag.
- Interested in different ways to cook chicken? Check out these popular cooking options.

Section 3 of 5:

How long does chicken last in the freezer?

Download Article

Fresh chicken lasts 9 months, and cooked chicken lasts 2-6 months. It's safe to thaw and reheat frozen raw chicken 9 months after you put it in the freezer. Meanwhile, 6 months is the maximum amount of time you should wait to eat frozen cooked chicken. Start checking cooked chicken for freezer burn at the 2-month mark after the initial freeze date (if you go that long without thawing and eating it).^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source

FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Go to source}

Section 4 of 5:

How to Tell If Chicken Has Gone Bad

Download Article

If your raw chicken has gone bad, says private chef Ashley Crawford, it may look gray instead of bright pink. Both raw and cooked chicken may also have a foul smell when it starts to spoil. Finally, look at the expiration date on the package. "It's there for a reason!" says Crawford.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Ashley Crawford
Private Chef

Expert Interview} If it's past that date, toss the chicken in the trash.

Section 5 of 5:

Other Ways to Prepare & Store Meat

Download Article

Read our articles on how to refrigerate, freeze, thaw, and cook meat safely. Cooking with chicken and other meat can seem intimidating at first, which is why we're here to help ease your anxiety! The articles below will help you take the guesswork out of meat and poultry preparation and storage, so you can enjoy delicious meals without fear of getting sick.
- How to Freeze Meat
- 4 Ways to Properly Preserve Meat to Keep It Fresh Longer