How Long Does It Keep?
Poultry / Cooked or Processed

Cooked poultry dishes

3–4 days in the fridge and 4–6 months in the freezer.

This covers cooked chicken and turkey: roasted, grilled, shredded or in a dish. The 3–4 day fridge window starts when the food was cooked, not when you put it away, so refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Pantry

No USDA guidance

Fridge

stored
3–4 days

Freezer

stored
4–6 months
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeperHow to read these times

How to tell cooked poultry dishes have gone bad

Common questions

How long do cooked poultry dishes last in the fridge?

3–4 days.

Can you freeze cooked poultry dishes, and for how long?

Yes. 4–6 months.

Is cooked chicken safe after 5 days in the fridge?

No. USDA guidance is 3–4 days. After that, throw it out or freeze it before day 4.

How should I reheat leftover cooked chicken?

Reheat it until it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Use a food thermometer if you have one.

How long can cooked chicken sit out?

No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour if it is above 90°F (32°C). After that, throw it out.

More in Poultry