How Long Does Rotisserie Chicken Last in the Refrigerator? The Definitive Guide
Rotisserie chicken is one of the most convenient and delicious meals you can buy at the grocery store. With its juicy, tender meat already cooked to perfection all you have to do is heat it up and enjoy! But after devouring that first tasty serving you’re left wondering – how long will this rotisserie chicken last in the fridge?
As a busy home cook, I rely on rotisserie chicken to add quick protein to salads and sandwiches. But I also want to avoid wasting food and minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Over the years, I’ve learned proper techniques for storing, freezing and reheating rotisserie chicken to extend its shelf life and keep my family safe. Let me share what I’ve discovered!
The Shelf Life of Rotisserie Chicken
Food safety experts say that cooked rotisserie chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days if it is stored correctly. The key factors affecting its shelf life include .
- Storage temperature – below 40°F slows bacteria growth.
- Container – airtight is best to prevent contamination.
- Initial quality – fresher chicken lasts longer.
However, remember the 3-4 day timeframe is just a guideline. Always inspect the chicken’s appearance, smell and texture before consuming leftovers. If you notice an off odor, slimy feel or discoloration, play it safe and throw it out regardless of how long it’s been stored. Trust your senses!
Maximizing Fridge Life
Follow these best practices to extend your leftover rotisserie chicken’s lifespan and minimize food waste:
- Allow it to cool before refrigerating. Don’t leave it at room temp more than 2 hours.
- Separate the chicken into smaller portions or shred for quicker cooling.
- Store in airtight containers or plastic wrap instead of the original packaging.
- Place containers on fridge shelves rather than the door to maintain optimal temperature.
- Label containers with dates so it’s easy to track freshness.
- Inspect leftovers carefully before reheating and consuming. Check for sliminess, odor and color changes.
Recognizing Spoiled Chicken
Even when stored correctly in the fridge, rotisserie chicken won’t last forever. Make sure to check for these signs of spoilage before eating:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Grayish color or dull, dry appearance
- Strong sour, rancid or ammonia-like smell
- Mold growth – discard immediately if you spot this!
- An overall “off” appearance compared to when freshly cooked
If you notice any of these red flags, don’t risk getting sick – throw away the chicken! Don’t rely on the use-by date alone, since your storage conditions also impact freshness. Trust your eyes, nose and common sense.
Getting Creative with Leftovers
One rotisserie chicken can provide several versatile, delicious meals way beyond the first night! Here are some of my favorite ways to repurpose leftovers:
- Chicken salad sandwiches or wraps
- Hearty chicken & veggie soup
- Tacos or quesadillas with shredded chicken
- Casseroles like chicken pot pie or enchiladas
- Chicken fried rice or pasta dishes
- Stuffed peppers, tomatoes or zucchini
- Chicken pizza topping
One grocery store rotisserie chicken can be used for more than one meal because it can be cooked in so many ways. Just make sure to eat any leftovers within three to four days to keep them fresh and safe.
Freezing for Extended Storage
For longer storage, freeze rotisserie chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing it. Here’s how:
- Let chicken cool completely before freezing.
- Remove meat from the bones and shred or cut into pieces.
- Portion chicken into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air.
- Label with dates and contents.
Frozen properly at 0°F, rotisserie chicken keeps well for 4-6 months. For best quality, eat frozen chicken within 2-3 months.
Thaw Safely
Always thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight, never at room temperature or in hot water. This prevents bacterial growth in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F.
Once thawed, use the chicken within 3-4 days. You can’t refreeze thawed chicken safely, so only thaw as much as you’ll use up.
Reheating Leftovers
When reheating rotisserie chicken that has been stored in the fridge, always use a food thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This eliminates any bacteria that may have developed during storage.
You can reheat chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop or in the oven. Microwaving is quick but can lead to dry, uneven heating. For best results, I recommend thoroughly reheating in the oven at 350°F, covered in foil. Monitor temperature and don’t overcook.
Prioritize Safety
Mishandling rotisserie chicken can have serious consequences. According to the CDC, 1 million cases of salmonella occur annually from contaminated chicken causing 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths.
Always make safety a priority with these smart practices:
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
- Monitor fridge temperature below 40°F
- Check for signs of spoilage before eating
- Completely reheat chicken to 165°F
Follow the suggested 3-4 day storage timeline, and freeze extra chicken so nothing goes to waste. By understanding how long rotisserie chicken lasts in the fridge and reheating it properly, you can enjoy tasty leftovers without risking food poisoning. Trust your instincts, be cautious with food safety, and you’ll get the most out of this family favorite convenience food.
How long is rotisserie chicken good for? Answer:
Before we discuss anything further in this post, I’m going to answer the question that everyone is here for: How long is rotisserie chicken good for?.
The USDA guidelines clearly state that rotisserie chicken is good for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, rotisserie chicken can be stored in the freezer where it will be good for a longer period of time. If frozen it will keep best, maintaining its optimal flavor and texture, for 4 months.
Whether you decide to store your pre-cooked rotisserie chicken in the fridge or the freezer, proper storage and handling techniques must be used in order for it it to keep its maximum freshness and safety. The rest of this blog post will discuss those techniques as well as additional tips surrounding rotisserie chicken that you may find useful!.
Like How To Tell If Rotisserie Chicken Has Gone Bad, How To Use Rotisserie Chicken, Tips For Buying Rotisserie Chicken, and More
How To Freeze Rotisserie Chicken Off The Bone
For freezing the chicken off the bone, I recommend doing so in individual, pre-portioned sealable freezer-safe bags. This will make dinner time so much easier down the road! Simply store the shredded or cut up chicken in the bags, seal tightly, remove any excess air, and pop in the freezer. The chicken will again last for 4 months.
The Right Way To Store Rotisserie Chicken in the Fridge.
FAQ
Can you eat rotisserie chicken after 5 days?
It is generally not recommended to eat rotisserie chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator for five days. The USDA says that cooked chicken, even rotisserie chicken, should be eaten within three to four days if it is kept in the fridge at 40°F or below.
How long does Costco’s rotisserie chicken last in the refrigerator?
If you know you want to store it and want it to cool down quickly, carve the chicken and remove the bones. When the meat has reached room temperature, you can place it in a designated food storage container and store it in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Is raw chicken ok in the fridge for 5 days?
No, raw chicken is generally not safe to eat after being refrigerated for 5 days. The USDA recommends refrigerating raw chicken for only 1-2 days.
How can you tell if cooked chicken is spoiled?
Visible mold or discoloration: This is an absolute indicator. If you spot any green, black, or gray mold spots on your cooked chicken, it’s unsafe to eat. Check the texture and taste of the chicken. If it tastes funny or feels dry, rubbery, or mushy when you bite into it, it’s no longer good.