How long do chicken parts last?
Short answer: Chicken parts (breast halves, bone-in) keep 1–2 days in the fridge and 9 months in the freezer.
Storage chart
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| breast halves, bone-in | 1–2 days | 9 months |
| breast halves, boneless | 1–2 days | 9 months |
| legs or thighs | 1–2 days | 9 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.
Cooking it safely
- Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 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 do chicken parts 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 parts?
Yes. Frozen at 0°F (−18°C), chicken parts keep best quality for 9 months. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; the time is for taste and texture.
How can I tell if chicken parts have gone bad?
Throw them 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.