How Long Does KFC Chicken Last In The Fridge? Maximizing Freshness
KFC chicken is one of those comfort foods that never gets old. Whether it’s a family dinner or a late-night snack, the crispy, flavorful chicken is always a treat. But what happens when you’ve got leftovers and want to save them for later?
That’s when the real question pops up: How long will KFC chicken last in the fridge? It’s simple to put that box in the fridge. But knowing how long it stays fresh is important. This helps keep your meal safe and tasty longer.
Have you ever found yourself staring at your KFC leftovers, unsure of whether it’s still okay to eat? If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered how long the chicken can last before it starts to go bad.
Is it a day or two, or should you toss it after 24 hours? In this post, we’ll explore how long KFC chicken lasts. We’ll also share tips for proper storage and how to tell if it’s spoiled.
After reading this article, you’ll know how to enjoy your KFC leftovers fully. Knowing how to store food and when to toss it can cut waste. This way, you can enjoy each meal more. So, keep reading to keep your KFC chicken fresh and delicious!
Understanding KFC Chicken Shelf Life
The shelf life of food refers to the period during which it remains safe to eat and maintains its best quality. For KFC chicken, knowing its shelf life is key. This helps keep it safe and tasty. After all, while chicken can last in the fridge, it doesn’t stay fresh indefinitely. Understanding the safe storage duration helps mitigate health risks and prevents food waste.
Several factors influence how long KFC chicken stays tasty in the fridge. The first is temperature—keeping your chicken in the fridge at or below 40°F is crucial for slowing bacteria growth.
The storage method of the chicken is also crucial. If it’s in an airtight container or wrapped properly, it’ll stay fresher for longer. Also, how long it’s been since the chicken was cooked can impact its quality and safety.
| Factor | Impact on Shelf Life |
| Storage temperature | Slows bacterial growth |
| Storage method | Airtight containers extend freshness |
| Time since cooking | Freshness declines over time |
Knowing these factors helps keep your KFC chicken fresh and tasty for longer.
| Check out: How Long Is A Costco Rotisserie Chicken Good For? |
How Long Can KFC Chicken Last In The Fridge?
KFC chicken lasts for 3–4 days in the fridge if stored properly. Just like any other fried chicken, consuming it beyond its preferred storage period may lead to harm and food poisoning.
All cooked foods have a limited shelf life, whether they are from KFC or elsewhere.
Eat KFC chicken right after you buy or receive it. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat.
Why Should You Eat Only Until 4 Days?
You should only consume it within four days for safety reasons.
The USDA says you can eat cooked chicken stored in the fridge for up to four days if it’s at 40°F (4.44 °C) or colder. [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.
How To Properly Store KFC Chicken In The Fridge
After you buy KFC, put it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Do this within 2 hours. Seal it tight, then refrigerate it at 40°F (4°C) or lower.
Your food will stay fresher and avoid cross-contamination in the refrigerator. It won’t spoil as quickly as it would in open-air containers.
Store away from raw meats, fish, and similar foods. This helps prevent contamination from bacteria.
Can You Freeze KFC Chicken to Make It Last Longer?
You can freeze any leftover KFC fried chicken without significantly sacrificing its flavor and quality for up to 3–4 months after the original purchase date.
To freeze KFC fried chicken, cool it completely. Then, place the chicken in covered, airtight containers or use freezer-safe bags. You can also wrap it 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, or bake chicken at 350 degrees. They will definitely be safe as long as you make it hot enough to kill any bacteria that may cause food poisoning or foodborne illness.
| Check out: Can You Freeze Chicken Salad With Mayo? |
How To Tell If Your KFC 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.
Throw away the cooked chicken right away. Bacteria have likely started to grow on it, which could make someone sick.
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.
If your fried chicken has a bad or sour smell, throw it away. It’s probably gone stale, and it’s safer not to eat it.
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.
If the meat feels dry or slimy, it may be spoiled. This spoilage can come from bacteria growing on [2]
Is It Dangerous to Eat Stale KFC Chicken?
Yes. Eating stale KFC chicken can be dangerous. Stale chicken can have bacteria that cause food poisoning. So, it’s important to follow food safety rules and not eat stale or unsafe chicken.
Also, throw out any cooked chicken that’s been at room temperature for over two hours. Don’t eat it, even if it looks fine. It can still cause food poisoning.
FAQs on How Long KFC Chicken Last In The Fridge
Can you reheat KFC chicken?
Yes, reheating KFC fried chicken is a beneficial idea to help restore its juicy texture and flavor while also ensuring that it is safe to eat.
When reheating KFC chicken, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (ca. 74 °C) or higher before eating.
This guarantees the killing of most bacteria in the food during the heating process. Furthermore, avoid overcooking your food, as this can cause your reheated chicken to become dry and tough.
Can I eat KFC chicken that’s been in the fridge for a week?
You should not eat fried chicken from KFC or any food that has been in the fridge for a week.
You should consume chicken within 3-4 days of storing it in the fridge.
If you plan to keep KFC food leftovers for more than four days or a later date, then freeze them in the freezer right away.
Also, make sure to reheat it well after thawing. Eat it within a few hours. Don’t store or freeze reheated food again.
Final Verdict
KFC chickens don’t last long at room temperature. If you have leftovers, put them in a sealed container. Store them in the fridge right away, ideally within two hours of getting them.
If you plan to keep it for over four days, freeze it. Make sure to follow proper steps to avoid eating contaminated food.
You should consume KFC chicken within three to four days when refrigerated, and up to two months when frozen.
If you doubt its freshness or food safety, discard it.
References:
- https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-cooked-chicken
- https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/If-I-forget-to-put-food-away-in-the-refrigerator-wont-heating-or-reheating
