1. Don’t Leave Cooked Chicken Unrefrigerated

Never leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours. It should be kept either hot or refrigerated. That goes for picnics and backyard barbeques too. It may seem tempting to dig into chicken that’s been sitting out for a while, but it’s safer to resist the urge.

2. Keep Cooked Chicken On Ice, Even While Transporting

When it comes to keeping cooked chicken fresh, temperature is important. Cooked chicken should stay below 40°F or above 140°F. That means if you’re transporting it from one place to another, say for a picnic or a potluck, you should keep it in an insulated container so it stays warm, or in an ice chest so it stays cool until you’re ready to eat.

3. Store Stuffing Separately

When refrigerating leftovers, remove any stuffing and store it in a separate container.

4. Reheat Leftovers Properly

If you’re reheating leftovers, cover the container to retain moisture and ensure that the chicken is heated all the way through.

5. Discard Leftovers Before They Spoil

Consult our chicken storage chart below to see how long your chicken will stay fresh when properly stored.