Cooked chicken keeps for up to 2 days in the fridge. Cool it within 1–2 hours, store it covered at 0–5°C, and reheat only once until piping hot.
How to store it
- Cool the chicken within 1–2 hours of cooking — don't leave it sitting out longer.
- Put it in an airtight container or cover it well.
- Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge (0–5°C), ideally a higher shelf away from raw meat.
How long it keeps
Use cooked chicken within 2 days. If you won't eat it in time, freeze it instead (within that window).
Signs it has gone off
- A sour or off smell.
- A slimy or sticky surface.
- Any grey or green tinge, or visible mould.
Food safety: When in doubt, throw it out — you can't always smell harmful bacteria. Reheat cooked chicken only once, until piping hot all the way through (at least 75°C).