Jessica Brooks 
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken, and it freezes very well. According to FoodSafety.gov, cooked chicken keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge and 2–6 months in the freezer. Cool it quickly, pack it airtight and reheat it to 165 °F (74 °C) before eating.
- Cooked chicken lasts 2–6 months in the freezer for best quality.
- Refrigerate or freeze it within 2 hours of cooking.
- Remove the meat from the bones and freeze it in portions.
- Reheat to an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
How long does cooked chicken last?
| Type | Fridge (40 °F) | Freezer (0 °F) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken leftovers | 3–4 days | 2–6 months |
| Chicken nuggets or patties | 3–4 days | 1–3 months |
| Chicken soup or stew | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Chicken salad (with mayonnaise) | 3–4 days | Does not freeze well |
Source: FoodSafety.gov cold food storage chart. Freezer times are for best quality. Food kept at 0 °F stays safe indefinitely.
How to freeze cooked chicken, step by step
- Cool it quickly. Do not leave cooked chicken out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it is above 90 °F. Cut large pieces into smaller ones so they cool faster.
- Take the meat off the bone. Boneless meat takes up less space, freezes faster and is easier to use later.
- Shred, slice or dice it. Think about how you will use it, such as shredded for tacos or diced for soups.
- Portion it. Pack 1–2 cup portions into freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove the air. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Add a little broth (optional). A spoonful of broth or sauce keeps the meat moist.
- Label, date and freeze flat.
Can you freeze a whole rotisserie chicken?
Yes. It is best to remove the meat from the bones first. Freeze the meat in portions and use the bones to make stock, which you can also freeze. Freezing the whole bird takes a lot of space and it thaws unevenly.
How to thaw cooked chicken safely
The USDA recommends three safe thawing methods:
- Refrigerator: overnight for most portions. Safest method.
- Cold water: keep the chicken in a sealed bag and change the water every 30 minutes.
- Microwave: use the defrost setting and reheat straight away.
You can also add frozen cooked chicken directly to soups, casseroles and stir-fries without thawing.
How to reheat frozen cooked chicken
- Microwave: cover with a damp paper towel, heat in short bursts and stir between them.
- Oven: 350 °F (175 °C), covered with foil and a splash of broth, for 15–25 minutes.
- Stovetop: warm it in a pan with a little sauce or broth.
Whatever method you use, the chicken should reach 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part. A food thermometer is the only reliable way to check.
Can you refreeze cooked chicken?
Yes, if it was thawed in the fridge. The USDA says food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen, though it may lose some moisture. Do not refreeze chicken that was thawed in cold water or the microwave unless you cook it first, and never refreeze chicken left out for more than 2 hours.
Freezer meal ideas with cooked chicken
- Chicken and rice bowls. Learn how to freeze cooked rice too.
- Creamy chicken and mushroom pasta. See our guide to freezing mushrooms.
- Chicken enchiladas, soups and pot pies.
- Shredded chicken for tacos and sandwiches.
Signs your frozen chicken has gone bad
- A sour or unpleasant smell after thawing
- A slimy or sticky texture
- Large dry, greyish patches from freezer burn (safe, but dry and tasteless)
When in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze chicken that has been in the fridge for 3 days?
Yes, as long as it was refrigerated promptly and is within the 3–4 day window. The quality will be better if you freeze it sooner.
Can you freeze fried chicken?
Yes. Cool it and freeze it in a single layer. Reheat it in the oven to keep the coating crispy.
Can you freeze chicken in sauce?
Yes. Tomato-based sauces freeze very well. Creamy sauces can separate but usually come back together when stirred during reheating.
How long is cooked chicken good after thawing?
Eat chicken thawed in the fridge within 3–4 days. Eat chicken thawed in cold water or the microwave right away.
For more tips, see our complete guide to freezing food.
