The USDA says two days, but that may not be the final word on when your bird goes bad. Here's what you need to know about the ...

If the chicken is covered in broth or gravy, the dish can be frozen for about six months, according to USDA. And if it’s chicken nuggets or patties, USDA recommends one to three months.

Storage: According to Tyson, consuming cooked chicken within three days of making it is best. Always refrigerate your leftovers, leaving them at room temperature for no more than two hours.

If you defrost and cook the chicken beyond the recommended time frames, you might notice some pieces have become dry or mushy, or sense a change in the flavor profile.

Harmful Bacterium Commonly Found In Poultry May Survive Refrigeration And Frozen Storage Combined. ScienceDaily . Retrieved June 4, 2025 from www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2005 / 01 ...