Raw chicken keeps for only 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Freeze it if you won't cook it by then.
Storage times
| Chicken | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken, raw | 1 to 2 days | 1 year |
| Chicken pieces, raw | 1 to 2 days | 9 months |
| Ground chicken, raw | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months |
| Cooked chicken (leftovers) | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 6 months |
| Chicken nuggets or patties, cooked | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 3 months |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, freezer at 0°F (−18°C) or below. Freezer times are for best quality only: food kept frozen at 0°F (−18°C) or below stays safe indefinitely. A dash means the source gives no time.
Storage tips
- If you won't cook it within 2 days, freeze it.
- Cook all poultry to 165°F (74°C), measured with a food thermometer.
- Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C).
Signs it's gone off
- A sour smell or a slimy feel means raw chicken has spoiled. Throw it out.
- Past 2 days in the fridge, throw it out even if it looks and smells fine.
Common questions
How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?
Raw chicken, whole or in pieces, keeps for 1 to 2 days in the fridge, according to FoodSafety.gov.
How long does raw chicken last in the freezer?
A whole chicken keeps its best quality for 1 year in the freezer, and chicken pieces for 9 months.
How long does cooked chicken last?
Cooked chicken keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 2 to 6 months in the freezer.
Sources
Guidance, not a guarantee. These times come from US government food safety sources and assume food was handled and stored safely. Always follow the date and instructions on the package, check food before you eat it, and when in doubt, throw it out. This page isn't medical advice.
