How Long Does KFC Chicken Last In The Fridge? Solved

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

Today, we will be exploring the delicious world of KFC chicken and its longevity in your refrigerator.

KFC chickens are a classic favorite that many people enjoy, but if you’re planning to store them in the fridge for later, you may wonder how long they will last.

Let’s find out how long KFC chicken lasts in the fridge and get some useful tips to keep your KFC leftovers safe and delicious.

With my experiences in the kitchen, I’m here to dish out the scoop on how long you can savor that tasty fried goodness before it bids adieu. Get ready for some authoritative insights.

How Long Can KFC Chicken Last In The Fridge?

KFC chicken lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly. Like any other fried chicken, it should not be consumed past its preferred storage period as it may cause harm and food poisoning.

It’s important to note that all cooked foods have a limited shelf life, regardless of whether they are from KFC or not.

When purchasing or ordering KFC chicken, ensure that you consume it as soon as possible after purchase or delivery so that its freshness and safety aren’t compromised by extended storage time.

Read:

• How Long Will Blueberries Last In The Fridge?
• What Is The White Seasoning On Fried Chicken?

Why Should You Eat Only Until 4 Days?

You should only consume it within four days for safety reasons.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends consuming cooked chicken for up to four days when stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. [1]

“I think no matter what the occasion may be, you can never go wrong by showing up at the dinner table with a hot plate of fried chicken.”

– Paula Deen, American Chef

However, it’s best not to keep cooked chicken products like KFC chicken for longer than two days to ensure the best quality of taste and safety.

Read: How Many Chickens Does Chick-Fil-A Kill A Day?

How To Properly Store KFC Chicken In The Fridge

After buying KFC, place it immediately (ideally within 2 hours) in an airtight container or zip-top bag, seal tightly, and place it in a refrigerator set at 40°F (4°C) or below.

This will help prevent cross-contamination with other foods stored inside your refrigerator and keep it fresher for longer than if left out in open-air containers, allowing moisture buildup and faster spoilage rates over time.

Store away from raw meats, fish, and other similar food items so as not to contaminate them with potential bacterial growth.

Read: Can You Eat Chicken Left Out Overnight?

Can You Freeze KFC Chicken To Make It Last Longer?

Any leftover KFC fried chicken may be frozen and is perfectly safe until 3-4 months past the original date purchased without sacrificing too much of its flavor and quality.

To freeze KFC fried chicken, cool it completely first and place the chicken in covered airtight containers or freezer-safe bags/heavy-duty freezer bags or wrap tightly with freezer wrap or plastic wrap before freezing.

When properly stored, frozen chicken can be safe indefinitely. But make sure to thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat it thoroughly.

You can reheat it any way you like, either in a microwave, air fryer, or wire rack, as long as you make it hot enough to kill any bacteria that may cause food poisoning or foodborne illness.

Read: What Oil Does Popeye Use To Fry Their Chicken?

How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad

Color 

When freshly cooked, the fried chicken should be a golden brown color. However, toss the leftover fried chicken if you notice discoloration, such as greenish-gray spots.

Because bacteria have most likely begun to grow on that cooked chicken, it must be discarded immediately before anyone becomes ill from eating spoiled chicken.

Odor 

Smelling it is the first way to determine whether your cooked chicken is still good. The aroma of freshly cooked chicken should be pleasant.

However, if it has any unpleasant or sour smell, it is likely that your fried chicken has gone bad and should be discarded immediately for safety reasons.

Texture

Texture changes are another indicator that fried chicken has gone bad. When touched, it should feel tender because its natural oils are still intact.

However, if it feels dry or slimy, this could indicate spoilage from bacterial growth on the surface of the meat, which will produce toxins that are harmful to consume even after high-temperature cooking. [2]

Is It Dangerous To Eat Stale KFC Chicken?

Yes. Eating stale KFC chicken can be dangerous. Stale chicken can contain bacteria that could cause food poisoning, so it’s important to practice good food safety and avoid consuming stale or bad chicken.

On a side note, make sure to toss away and do not eat cooked chicken that has been sitting “danger zone” or at room temperature longer than two hours, even if it doesn’t look stale at all, as it may still cause food poisoning.

FAQs

Final Verdict

KFC chickens do not keep well at room temperature, so if you have any leftovers, place them in a sealed container and store them in the fridge as soon as possible, ideally within two hours of purchase or delivery.

If you intend to keep it for more than four days, store it in the freezer, but follow proper procedures to avoid consuming contaminated food.

KFC chicken should be consumed within three to four days in the fridge and up to two months when frozen. 

If you are unsure of its freshness or have any doubts regarding food safety, it is best to discard it.

References:

1. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-cooked-chicken 
2. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/If-I-forget-to-put-food-away-in-the-refrigerator-wont-heating-or-reheating