How Long Is Cooked Chicken Good In The Refrigerator?

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Cooked chicken is an easy and delicious meal that can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Most people love the convenience of having cooked chicken on hand for quick and easy meals. However, it’s important to make sure that the chicken is properly stored to avoid food poisoning.

In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to store cooked chicken so it stays delicious and safe for days, allowing you to enjoy it to the fullest. Keep reading to find out more. 

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Storing cooked poultry right

The most important thing to remember when it comes to cooked chicken storage is that you need to keep it in an airtight container. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out and keep it fresh for longer. If you’re using a plastic container, make sure to put a lid on it tightly. You can also store cooked chicken in aluminum foil or freezer bags.

Once your chicken is stored in an airtight container, make sure to put it in the fridge as soon as possible. It’s important to cool cooked poultry down quickly so bacteria doesn’t have a chance to grow. If you’re short on time, you can pop the container of cooked chicken into the freezer for a few hours until it’s completely cooled down.

It’s also important to keep cooked chicken separate from raw or uncooked meat. This is to avoid cross-contamination, which can lead to food poisoning. If you’re storing cooked chicken in the fridge, make sure to put it on a shelf that’s different from where you store raw meat. 

Considering the flavor

While you can keep cooked chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days, it’s best to eat it within a couple of days for the best flavor. After that, the chicken will start to dry out and won’t be as tasty.

The best refrigerators will give you the option to control the temperature and humidity, so you can store your chicken in the perfect environment. If your fridge doesn’t have this option, there are a few ways you can still keep your chicken tasting great for longer.

One way is to slice the chicken before storing it. This will help it to retain its moisture better. Another way is to reheat the chicken before eating it. This will help to refresh the flavor and make it taste like it’s just been cooked.

If you or your family like the way cooked chicken tastes, you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. While using the correct type of refrigerator will also help, freezing does offer its own benefits.

Freezing cooked chicken

As mentioned, you can freeze the cooked chicken to make it last longer. This is a great option if you have leftovers or want to cook a big batch of chicken to have on hand for quick meals.

When freezing cooked chicken, it’s important to use an airtight container or freezer bag. You’ll also want to make sure that the chicken is completely cooled before putting it in the freezer.

Cooked chicken will be safe to eat for 2-6 months in the freezer, but it’s best to eat it within the first month or two for the best flavor and texture. When you’re ready to eat the frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight. Don’t forget that chicken can thaw very quickly at room temperature, so it’s important to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t start to spoil.

Once the chicken is thawed, you can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. Make sure to reheat it until it’s steaming hot all the way through to kill any bacteria.

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Ways to cook chicken for best results

While storing your chicken properly will help to keep it tasting great, the way you cook it will also have an impact. For the best results, make sure to:

• Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and other spices before cooking. This will help to lock in the flavor. The right spices will also depend on the recipe you’re using, so make sure to follow the instructions.
• Cook the chicken until it’s evenly cooked all the way through. This is important to avoid food poisoning. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help to keep it juicy and moist. In addition, resting also allows the chicken’s juices to redistribute and reabsorb back into the meat.
• Cook the chicken until it’s cooked through but still juicy. Overcooking will make it dry out.
• Use a slow cooker to cook chicken if you want it to be extra moist and tender. This cooking method is especially great for tougher cuts of chicken like thighs and drumsticks.

Following these tips will help you to create a cooked chicken that tastes great and stays fresh for longer. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy deliciously cooked chicken all week long.

Final thoughts on how long is cooked chicken well in the refrigerator

In conclusion, the cooked chicken will last in the fridge for up to four days, or in the freezer for two to six months. Following these storage guidelines will help keep your cooked chicken fresh and delicious.

In addition, don’t forget that the way you cook your chicken can also affect its shelf life. For example, chicken that is cooked using moist cooking methods (such as stewing, poaching, or braising) will last shorter periods than chicken that is cooked using dry cooking methods (such as roasting, grilling, or baking).

The post How Long Is Cooked Chicken Good In The Refrigerator? appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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