Can I Eat Cooked Chicken That Has Been in the Refrigerator for Six Days?



Short answer? No. It’s not worth it.

When it comes to food safety, understanding how long cooked chicken and your other perishables can be stored in the refrigerator is crucial for maintaining health and avoiding foodborne illnesses. While the specific answer to whether you can eat cooked chicken that has been in the refrigerator for six days is generally no, expanding on this topic to cover various other foods including deli meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and other perishables might help you prevent a digestive catastrophe.

Cooked Chicken

Cooked chicken, whether roasted, grilled, or sautéed, should ideally be consumed within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). After this period, the risk of bacterial growth, particularly from pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria, increases significantly. If your cooked chicken has been in the fridge for six days, it’s best to discard it to avoid the risk of food poisoning.



Tips for Storing Cooked Chicken:

  • Store in airtight containers to prevent contamination.
  • Use a label maker to indicate the date it was cooked to keep track of its freshness.
  • Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Deli Meats

Deli meats, including ham, turkey, and salami, have a slightly different shelf life. While unopened packages can last for about two weeks, once opened, they should be consumed within 3-5 days. Similar to cooked chicken, deli meats are susceptible to bacterial contamination if kept for too long.



Tips for Storing Deli Meats:

  • Keep in their original packaging or transfer to airtight deli meat containers.
  • Place on a refrigerator shelf rather than the door to maintain a consistent temperature.
  • Check for any signs of spoilage such as a slimy texture or off odor.

Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt have varied shelf lives:

  • Milk: Typically lasts 5-7 days past the printed expiration date if stored properly.
  • Cheese: Hard cheeses like cheddar can last up to 6 weeks, while soft cheeses like brie should be consumed within 1-2 weeks.
  • Yogurt: Usually safe to eat for 1-2 weeks past the expiration date if kept refrigerated.

Tips for Storing Dairy Products:

  • Store milk and yogurt in the main body of the fridge, not the door.
  • Wrap cheese in wax paper and then plastic wrap or foil.
  • Keep all dairy products in their original packaging as long as possible.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables vary widely in how long they stay fresh:

  • Fruits: Apples can last up to a month, while berries may only last a few days. Bananas, when refrigerated, tend to last up to a week but may turn brown.
  • Vegetables: Leafy greens should be consumed within a week, while root vegetables like carrots can last up to a month.



Tips for Storing Fruits and Vegetables:

  • Keep fruits like apples, pears, and citrus fruits in the fridge, while bananas and tomatoes should stay at room temperature until ripe.
  • Store leafy greens in plastic bags with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
  • Use perforated plastic bags or produce bags to store vegetables to maintain humidity levels.

Other Perishables

Eggs: Stored in their original carton in the coldest part of the refrigerator, eggs can last 3-5 weeks.

Leftover Meals: Similar to cooked chicken, other leftover meals should generally be consumed within 3-4 days.

Tips for Storing Other Perishables:

  • Always store eggs in their carton rather than the door to maintain a consistent temperature.
  • Label leftover containers with the date they were prepared.
  • Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Understanding the shelf life of various perishable foods is key to maintaining food safety and avoiding health risks. While cooked chicken should not be consumed after six days in the refrigerator, other perishables such as deli meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables also have specific storage guidelines to follow. By adhering to these tips and being mindful of storage practices, you can enjoy your meals safely and reduce food waste. Always remember, when in doubt, throw it out to ensure your health and safety.




Culinary Order is an Amazon Affiliate and may earn from linked product recommendations.