How long does rotisserie chicken last in the fridge?
A rotisserie chicken keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge from the day you buy it, and 4 months in the freezer, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Updated
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Rotisserie chicken | 3 to 4 daysfrom purchase | 4 monthsfrom purchase |
Can you freeze rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken keeps 4 months in the freezer from the day you buy it, per USDA FoodKeeper. Freezer times are for best quality: food kept at 0°F stays safe longer, but it dries out and loses flavor. Freeze the meat off the bone, in portions.
How to store rotisserie chicken
If you will not eat it within 2 hours of buying it, get it into the fridge. Pull the meat off the bones first and pack it in shallow containers so it cools fast. The bones make good broth.
How long can rotisserie chicken sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it is above 90°F, such as at a summer picnic. After that, USDA says to throw it out.
Can you eat a rotisserie chicken cold?
Yes, if it went into the fridge within 2 hours and you eat it within USDA's 3 to 4 days.
How to tell if rotisserie chicken has gone bad
Go by the days, not by the smell. The germs that cause food poisoning usually do not change how food looks, smells or tastes, so food past its time can seem fine and still make you sick. Mold, a sour smell or a slimy feel mean it has spoiled, but food without them is not safe just because it seems fine. Never taste food to check it. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to reheat rotisserie chicken
Heat leftovers until the middle reaches 165°F on a food thermometer, and bring soups, sauces and gravy to a rolling boil. Cover the food while it heats so it stays moist and heats all the way through. In a microwave, stir or turn it halfway. You can reheat frozen leftovers without thawing them first. It takes longer.
Times from USDA FoodKeeper, the storage data from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service: data version 128, last changed September 6, 2018, still the current version. Public domain. The handling rules are from USDA's Leftovers and Food Safety.