How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Raw chicken lasts 1-2 days in the fridge. Cooked chicken lasts 3-4 days. Here is everything you need to know about storing chicken safely and spotting when it has gone off.
How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Raw chicken: 1-2 days. Cooked chicken: 3-4 days. These are the safe storage times recommended by the NHS and Food Standards Agency. After that, the risk of harmful bacteria like salmonella increases significantly.
Raw Chicken Storage
Keep raw chicken in its original packaging or a sealed container on the bottom shelf of your fridge. The bottom shelf prevents juices from dripping onto other food. Your fridge should be at 4°C or below.
If you are not going to cook it within 2 days, freeze it immediately. Raw chicken freezes well for up to 9 months.
Cooked Chicken Storage
Let cooked chicken cool to room temperature within 1-2 hours, then refrigerate in an airtight container. It will last 3-4 days in the fridge. After that, throw it away — do not rely on smell or appearance alone.
Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 4 months. Shred or slice it before freezing so it thaws faster and is ready to use in meals.
How to Tell If Chicken Has Gone Off
Look for these signs:
Smell: A strong, sour, or ammonia-like smell means it has gone off. Fresh chicken has very little odour.
Colour: Raw chicken should be pink. If it has turned grey or green, discard it.
Texture: If the surface feels slimy or tacky even after rinsing, it has gone off.
Quick Reference Table
Raw chicken in the fridge: 1-2 days. Cooked chicken in the fridge: 3-4 days. Raw chicken in the freezer: up to 9 months. Cooked chicken in the freezer: up to 4 months. Thawed chicken in the fridge: cook within 24 hours. Room temperature: never more than 2 hours.
Use It Before You Lose It
Got chicken in the fridge that needs using up today? SusChef scans your fridge and suggests recipes based on what you have. No more throwing food away because you could not think of what to cook.