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

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

Co-authored by Ashley Crawford and Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: September 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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Raw Chicken

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Cooked Chicken

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Signs of Spoilage

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Chicken Prep Resources

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?

How Long Is Chicken Good in the Fridge Summary

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 4:

How long is raw chicken good in the fridge?

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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 that time 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]
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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

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Section 2 of 4:

How long is cooked chicken good in the fridge?

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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.^{[2]
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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

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- The 3-4 day time frame applies to all cooked chicken, including: grilled, boiled, fried chicken; rotisserie chicken; and chicken patties and nuggets.

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How to Tell If Chicken Has Gone Bad

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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.^{[3]
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Ashley Crawford
Private Chef

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

Section 4 of 4:

Other Chicken Preparation Resources

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Learn to refrigerate, freeze, thaw, and cook chicken 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 poultry preparation and storage, so you can enjoy delicious meals without fear of getting sick.