How to Store Cooked Chicken in a Refrigerator

Store leftover cooked chicken in the refrigerator immediately.

Chicken must be cooked properly to kill bacteria. Improperly cooked chicken can result in a serious food-borne illness. Preparing a large amount of chicken often results in leftovers. When you have leftover chicken, it needs stored at a cool temperature to prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria. Leaving the chicken sitting out at room temperature will allow the bacteria to grow and multiply. Store cooked chicken safely in the refrigerator to enjoy the leftovers safely. Does this Spark an idea?

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Airtight container with lid

Instructions

- 1
  
  Prepare the cooked chicken for the refrigerator as soon as possible. Do not leave the cooked chicken sitting out at room temperature for longer than two hours.
- 2
  
  Place the cooked chicken into an airtight container.
- 3
  
  Seal the container tightly.
- 4
  
  Store the chicken in the refrigerator at a temperature of 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 5
  
  Use the cooked chicken within three to four days.

Tips & Warnings

Chicken must reach 175 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit to remain safe to consume.
Keep raw chicken in its package until you are ready to prepare it.
Fully cooked chicken juices will remain clear instead of pink.
Always wash your hands after handling raw poultry to prevent food-borne illness.
Never allow the cooking thermometer to touch chicken bones, because it will give you a false reading.
Discard cooked chicken that has a foul odor, slimy texture or odd discoloration, because it may have spoiled.