If you have a lot of leftover Rotisserie chicken but don’t want to waste it, you’re probably thinking of storing it. But at the same time, you can’t help but wonder how long your chicken will last.
The answer is you can store the dish in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or freeze it for months.
Many people consider chicken to be the most staple of all other types of meat. However, there is a significant risk of microbial contamination in this nutritious and delicious source of protein. That is why it is critical to prepare, store properly, and cook it — otherwise, it could become a cause of food-borne diseases.
How Long Can Rotisserie Chicken Last in the Refrigerator?
Although it is beneficial to store chicken in the refrigerator, many customers are curious as to how long the food will last before going bad.
The USDA states that this meal may only be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when properly stored in a reusable bag or enclosed container.
That also holds true for all kinds of cooked chicken, including takeout, handmade meals, and leftovers from hotels.
Why is Chicken the Most Regularly Consumed Meat?
Most people love chicken because of its taste and practicality; it complements many flavors, food preparation methods, and recipes. Moreover, chicken is a low-cost protein – a much fair price than beef.
The dish is low in calories, rich in proteins, and high in vital supplements like vitamin B, zinc, and iron. Additionally, it contains little cholesterol and fat.
Menu versatility is another factor that makes consumers adore chicken. It can be made with a wide range of flavorings and spices. These include sauces, bread, and rubs, ideal for a wide range of menus, from upmarket to down-home and cultural cuisines worldwide.
Nonetheless, people serve it as a main course, in appetizers, sandwiches, snacks, and salads. It is ideal for savory dishes.
How to Tell if Your Rotisserie Chicken is Stale?
As the meat spoils, its original color starts to fade. Freshly prepared chicken features a white or brown color, and stale meat will turn green-grey as it goes bad. The mold becomes more visible and dangerous to one’s health.
The chicken will also emit a tangy and ammonia-like odor. If the smell of the dish becomes more intense, it indicates that the chicken is nearing the end of its life.
The texture also indicates the condition of the dish. A slimy layer is a dead giveaway that the chicken is unfit to eat.
Tips to Ensure Rotisserie Chicken Lasts Long
- Refrigerate the meal instantly, preferably 2 hours after preparation. If effectively stored, the dish will keep in the fridge for three to four days.
- Refrigerate cooked rotisserie chicken in thin airtight containers or wrap it firmly in a rugged aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help optimize shelf life for quality and safety.
- Freeze the cooked meal to extend its shelf life in encased airtight jars or heavy-duty freezer bags. You may also cover it tightly in a heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap. The wrappings prevent ambient microbes from coming into contact with your food.
- Keep the raw chicken and any other meat on the refrigerator’s lower shelves. However, you should place the cooked chicken on the top shelves near the freezer.
- Avoid storing the dish in the door compartment because the temperature in that area is inadequate to protect such perishable foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible for Rotisserie chicken to spoil in the refrigerator?
Chicken is watery and full of nutrients, making it an ideal refuge for bacterial growth. If it is not refrigerated or handled appropriately, the dish will spoil sooner.
If you stash your dish carefully, microbes that attack chicken usually grow at a slower rate.
Exposing the dish to harmful conditions such as high temperatures or an unprotected environment jeopardizes the safety and quality of the meat. But if you refrigerate your meal, you can eat till the sell-by date and perhaps even a few days later.
2. Is it safe to eat rotisserie chicken after 5 days?
Cooked rotisserie chicken will last in the refrigerator for three to four days if kept well. You can store thawed Rotisserie chicken for an extra 3 to 4 days before preparation.
In contrast, chicken that has been defrosted in cold water or in the microwave should be consumed immediately.
3. Is it necessary to bring the chicken to room temperature before preparing it?
Allow your chicken to reach ambient temperature before frying. Meat at this temperature cooks more uniformly, and lesser juices trickle out or vaporize during the preparation process.
Allow your chicken to rest for 30 to 60 minutes before cooking. If you marinate it at room temperature, the meat will absorb the juices and flavor more quickly.
Bottom Line
In this post, we answered the query, “How long can Rotisserie Chicken last in the refrigerator”. We examined the factors that influence the shelf life of this dish and the aspects associated with its spoilage.
Raw chicken will last in the refrigerator for 1–2 days, while cooked Rotisserie chicken will keep for 3–4 days.
It is advisable to check the best-use date and check for signs of spoilage such as changes in aroma, texture, and color to determine if the chicken has gone bad.
After reading this article, we hope you won’t have concerns about storage or telling if your Rotisserie chicken is still safe for consumption.