In a world where many of us are constantly on the go and do not always have time to cook, prepping meals beforehand is a life-saver. One of the most popular foods for meal prep is chicken, so it’s essential to know how to store cooked chicken.
Here at Chefstemp, we thoroughly understand the importance of food safety. We love food and are dedicated to making cooking easier for professional chefs and home cooks alike. By taking precise technology and turning it into user-friendly products, we work to ensure that cooking is as safe as it is enjoyable.
In this easy-to-read guide on how to store cooked chicken, we are breaking down everything you need to know about the topic. You will learn how to properly store your leftover chicken so you can enjoy safe and delicious meals at your leisure. Let’s get right down to it.
How to Store Cooked Chicken In the Fridge. Once the chicken is cooked and cooled, refrigerate it within 2 hours of sitting at room temperature. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator (at 40 F or less). Be sure to label the container with the date and contents.
Cooking Chicken in Bulk
The concept of meal prepping dishes (referred to as make-ahead meals) involved cooking enough to enjoy multiple times. Many people meal prep on days when they are not busy, so they have home-cooked meals ready to go on the days when they are busy.
As a lean and delicious source of protein, chicken is easily one of the most common foods for meal prep. Some people fire up the grill and cook whole chicken breasts, others toss their chicken into a crockpot to make shredded chicken to add to their meals throughout the week.
When it comes to cooking chicken in bulk, there is really no right or wrong method to choose. You can cook chicken in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or in a crockpot. It’s entirely up to you and really just depends on your preferences.
Regardless of the cooking method you choose, it’s important to always use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Food safety should never be a guessing game, especially when storing in large quantities.
You can season your chicken with any combination of spices or keep it simple with salt and pepper. The latter is especially helpful if you want to be able to use the chicken in a variety of different dishes throughout the week. You can whip up chicken tacos one day and a delicious chicken salad the next. The options are endless!
After you have cooked your chicken, make sure to allow it to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Once cooled, you can transfer the cooked chicken to an airtight storage bag or container. If freezing the chicken, we recommend wrapping the individual servings in plastic wrap so you can easily thaw it as you need it.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
For people who like to prepare their meals for the week ahead of time, the fridge tends to be the go-to choice for storage. This method makes it quick and easy to reheat your leftover chicken, because it eliminates the need for thawing.
The one thing to keep in mind when storing cooked chicken in the fridge is that you have much less time to work with than if you had stored the chicken in the freezer.
If you have intentionally cooked your chicken to eat over the next few days, then storing it in the fridge is perfect. However, if you don’t anticipate eating chicken anytime soon, then you should stick to the freezer.
Just like you would if you were storing cooked chicken in the freezer, you will need to transfer it into an airtight storage container once the food has cooled down. When stored safely, cooked chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. For safe food storage, your refrigerator should always be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is it OK to freeze cooked chicken?
FAQ
What is the best way to store cooked chicken breast?
How do you store leftover cooked chicken?
How do you store leftover raw chicken breast?
How do you store and reheat cooked chicken breast?
Can you store cooked chicken breast in the fridge?
This is because if you store leftover cooked chicken breast in the fridge while hot, it will alter the temperature of the fridge. This will then compromise the shelf life of other foods. When you are satisfied with the temperature of the cooked chicken breast, take plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
Do eggs from home-raised chickens need to be refrigerated?
Home-raised chickens eggs should be refrigerated once they are free of feathers and poop. Although, unwashed eggs with cuticles intact can safely be stored at room temperature, but, refrigerating them will help them last longer; about 5 or 6 weeks.
How to store chicken properly?
Have a backup plan in place, such as a generator or alternative storage options like coolers with ice packs, to ensure the chicken remains at a safe temperature during any electricity disruptions. In conclusion, understanding how to store chicken properly is crucial for maintaining its quality, flavor, and most importantly, ensuring food safety.
How do you store chicken in a freezer?
Consider using freezer-safe bags or vacuum-sealed containers for added protection. When storing chicken in cold climates, it’s crucial to monitor the temperature of your freezer. Ensure that it maintains a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. Fluctuating temperatures can affect the quality and safety of the chicken.