How long does canned chicken last?
Short answer: Canned chicken keeps 3–4 days once opened in the fridge and 5 years in the pantry.
Storage chart
| Pantry | Fridge |
|---|---|
| 5 years | 3–4 days (after opening) |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder, freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; food kept frozen stays safe indefinitely.
Keep it longer
Keep raw poultry on the bottom shelf in a container so juices can't drip onto other food. Freeze it if you won't cook it within the fridge time.
Common questions
How long does canned chicken last in the fridge?
3–4 days once opened in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper data.
How long does canned chicken last at room temperature?
5 years in a cool, dry pantry.
How can I tell if canned chicken has gone bad?
Throw it out if you see mold, a slimy texture, an off smell or an odd color. For anything perishable, go by the storage time rather than smell: bacteria that cause food poisoning don't usually change how food looks or smells.
More poultry
Source: USDA FoodKeeper data (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service). Updated 2026-10-13. General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.