How long does chicken last?
Short answer: Chicken (whole) keeps 1–2 days in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer.
Storage chart
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| whole | 1–2 days | 12 months |
| pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat | 2 weeks; 3–5 days (after opening) | 1–2 months |
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.
Storage tips
- Freezing not recommended.
Cooking it safely
- Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking times for poultry are for unstuffed birds. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh, innermost part of the wing, and thickest part of the breast. Add 15 to 30 minutes for stuffed birds. Stuffed birds are ready when the internal temperature of stuffing reaches 165°F.
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 chicken last in the fridge?
1–2 days in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper data.
Can you freeze chicken?
Yes. Frozen at 0°F (−18°C), chicken keeps best quality for 12 months. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; the time is for taste and texture.
How can I tell if 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.