How to store chicken in the refrigerator properly

Storing chicken properly in the refrigerator is key to keeping it fresh, safe, and free from contamination. Whether raw or cooked, chicken should be kept in airtight containers or sealed bags on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent juices from leaking onto other foods. The ideal temperature is 4°C or below, and it’s important to avoid washing raw chicken before storage, as this can spread bacteria.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from how long different types of chicken last in the fridge to the best ways to store them without odors or waste. Let’s start with the basics.

How long does chicken last in the refrigerator?

Knowing how long chicken lasts in the refrigerator is essential for food safety and avoiding waste. The shelf life varies depending on whether the chicken is raw or cooked.

Raw chicken

According to FDA guidelines, raw chicken should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 1 to 2 days. This applies to whole chickens as well as raw chicken parts. To reduce the risk of contamination, always store raw chicken in a sealed container or plastic bag on the bottom shelf of your fridge.

Cooked chicken

Cooked chicken has a slightly longer fridge life and can be safely stored for 3 to 4 days. Whether it’s roasted, boiled, or grilled, make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating, and use an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent odor transfer.

How to store raw chicken in the refrigerator

Storing raw chicken properly helps prevent cross-contamination, keeps it fresher longer, and ensures safer meals. Here’s how to do it right, step by step:

Step 1: Check packaging and transfer if necessary

Raw chicken often comes in thin plastic trays that aren’t leak-proof. If the packaging looks flimsy or has been opened, transfer the chicken to a sealed, leak-resistant container or zip-top bag. This helps contain juices that can spread bacteria.

Step 2: Choose the right refrigerator location and temperature

Always store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator—never above ready-to-eat foods. This prevents any drips from contaminating other items. Your fridge should be set at 4°C or below. For more tips on safe fridge temperatures, see our guide on selecting the best fridge temperatures for safe storage.

Step 3: Use proper containers and wrapping

If not using a sealed container, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it inside a shallow dish. The goal is to prevent leakage and limit exposure to air, which can dry out the meat or cause spoilage.

Step 4: Label with purchase and use-by dates

To avoid guessing later, use a marker or label to write down the purchase and recommended use-by date. This small step makes it easier to track freshness and rotate food correctly.

How to store braised chicken in the refrigerator

Braised chicken is packed with flavor, but without proper storage, its texture and taste can fade fast. Follow these tips to keep it just as delicious the next day:

Step 1: Let it cool completely before storing

Start by letting the dish cool to room temperature, ideally within two hours of cooking. Storing it hot can raise your fridge’s internal temperature and affect other foods.

Step 2: Use sealed containers and check the temperature

Choose an airtight container that seals well and is deep enough to hold both chicken and its sauce. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well for saucy dishes. Keep your refrigerator set to 4°C or below to maintain food safety.

Step 3: Portion for faster cooling and easier reheating

If you’ve made a large batch, divide the braised chicken into smaller, portion-sized containers. This not only cools it faster but also makes reheating simpler and prevents repeated exposure to air.

Step 4: Label for freshness and safe storage time

A quick label with the date cooked helps you remember when to eat it. Don’t forget to label each container with the storage date to track freshness and use within 3–4 days for best quality.

How to store cooked chicken safely - no matter how it’s prepared

Whether your chicken is grilled, fried, poached, or roasted, the key to safe storage is less about the cooking method and more about how quickly and carefully you cool and contain it. After cooking, let the chicken cool to room temperature - ideally within two hours - to avoid rapid bacterial growth.

Once cooled, transfer it into airtight containers to preserve flavor and prevent moisture loss or contamination. For fried or crispy pieces, avoid stacking to help maintain texture. Always store cooked chicken on a middle or upper shelf, away from raw meats, and make sure your fridge stays at 4°C or below.

No matter how it's cooked, proper storage gives your chicken a safe shelf life of 3 to 4 days, while helping you enjoy leftovers without sacrificing taste or safety.

How to store different chicken parts in the refrigerator

Just like cooked chicken needs safe storage regardless of how it’s prepared, raw chicken parts also require specific handling.

Whether it’s breasts, drumsticks, thighs, or ground chicken, store each type in airtight containers or sealed bags on the bottom shelf to prevent leaks. Ground chicken tends to spoil faster, so aim to use it within 1–2 days. Label everything with the purchase date to keep track.

Looking for tips beyond chicken? Electrolux also offers helpful guides on how to store beef and how to store vegetables and fruits to help you keep your fridge organised and safe.

Signs of chicken spoilage in the refrigerator

Even when stored correctly, chicken can still spoil—sometimes faster than expected. Before cooking or reheating, always inspect for the following signs:

• Visual indicators: Spoiled chicken may show gray or green discolouration, especially around the edges. White or black mold spots are clear signs of spoilage and should never be ignored.
• Strange smell: Fresh chicken has a very mild scent or none at all. A sour, ammonia-like, or “off” smell is a strong indication that the chicken has gone bad and should be discarded.
• Texture changes: If the chicken feels slimy, sticky, overly soft, or unusually wet to the touch, it’s no longer safe to eat. These texture changes often appear before visual signs, so it’s always worth feeling the surface with clean hands or utensils.

When it comes to chicken, if something smells off or looks suspicious, it’s never worth the risk. Eating spoiled chicken can cause food poisoning, so when in doubt, toss it out.

Read more:

• How to deodorize a refrigerator
• Complete guide on how to clean your refrigerator the right way
• Refrigerator maintenance tips to save energy

Common chicken storage mistakes to avoid

Even small missteps in storing chicken can lead to faster spoilage or even health risks. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Storing chicken in the refrigerator door: The door is the warmest part of your fridge and experiences frequent temperature changes. Always store chicken on the bottom shelf where it’s the coldest and most stable.
• Using damaged or leaky packaging: Packaging that tears or leaks can lead to contamination. If the original packaging is compromised, transfer the chicken to a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.
• Overcrowding your fridge: Stuffing your refrigerator with too much food blocks airflow, making it harder to maintain a safe temperature. Leave space between items so cold air can circulate.
• Ignoring temperature fluctuations: Frequent power outages or opening the fridge door too often can raise the internal temperature. Watch this video to see how temperature changes impact on food safety:

• Mixing raw and cooked chicken: Always store raw and cooked chicken separately to avoid cross-contamination. Raw chicken should be placed on the lowest shelf, away from ready-to-eat foods.

Better storage starts with better habits and the right fridge

Storing chicken safely is a habit that pays off in more ways than one - it protects your health, preserves food quality, and helps your groceries go further. But good storage isn’t just about what you do - it’s also about what your refrigerator can do for you.

Modern appliances like Electrolux refrigerators take the guesswork out of food preservation with precise temperature settings, specialised compartments, and smart airflow design that help maintain consistent cooling throughout. These features support a cleaner, more organised fridge, and a safer kitchen overall.

Check out high-quality side-by-side refrigerators and French door refrigerators from Electrolux: