Chicken Countdown: How Long Can You REALLY Keep Cooked Chicken in the Fridge?

Leftover roasted chicken? Delicious! But before you tuck into that tasty bird days later, let's talk fridge safety. Knowing how long cooked chicken can safely hang out in your refrigerator is crucial for avoiding a nasty case of food poisoning.

So, the magic number? Generally, **cooked chicken is safe to eat for 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator**. That's assuming you refrigerated it promptly after cooking (within 2 hours), and maintained a consistent fridge temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

After 4 days, the risk of bacterial growth significantly increases. While the chicken might *look* and *smell* fine, harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli could be lurking. When in doubt, throw it out!

**Pro Tip:** Store cooked chicken in airtight containers to prevent drying and contamination. Labeling with the date is also a smart move!

Enjoy your leftover chicken safely and deliciously!