Wondering how long cooked chicken lasts in the fridge? Or a leftover slice of pizza? Food expert Peggy Woodward lets us know just how long foods keep in the fridge. (You might want to print this out.)
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Updated on Jan. 12, 2023
Where would life be without leftovers? Whether you’ve ordered too much take-out, or the gang couldn’t polish off that hearty 13×9 casserole, some foods just warrant a surplus. Which is great because leftovers can make the best next-day meals, and they’re handy for meal planners everywhere. But sometimes that several-days-old dish can look a little questionable after sitting in the back of the fridge. The question arises: How long do leftovers actually last? Food editor and resident leftover expert Peggy Woodward shares her best practices:
If you’re looking for creative ways to use up leftovers, try these tasty ideas.
Refrigerator Storage
The following foods will keep only 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator:
- Fresh (raw) ground meats and stew meats
- Gravy and meat broth
- Fresh poultry and fresh fish
- Shrimp, scallops, crayfish and squid
- Shucked clams, mussels and oysters
The following foods will keep 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator:
- Fully cooked ham slices
- Cooked meat and meat casseroles
- Cooked chicken and chicken casseroles (Learn more about how to tell if chicken is bad)
- Pizza
- Cooked fish and shellfish
The following items will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator:
- Opened packages of lunch or deli meats
- Fully cooked ham portions
- Fresh meat steaks, chops and roasts
The following foods have longer refrigerator storage times as indicated:
- Fresh eggs in shells = 3 to 5 weeks
- Hard-cooked eggs = 1 week
- Commercial mayonnaise after opening = 2 months
- Opened hard cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss) = 3 to 4 weeks
- Soft cheese (such as brie or feta), cottage cheese, ricotta and milk = 1 week
- Yogurt = 7 to 14 days
Wondering how long produce lasts? Find our comprehensive chart here.
3 Rules of Thumb for All Foods:
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
If you lose track of how long a food has been in the refrigerator, it’s best to not risk eating it. Simply throw the food away. To avoid this problem in the future, label and date your leftovers before refrigerating. And to produce even less food waste, check out the food scraps you didn’t know you could eat.
Store Food Wisely
For best storage, it’s wise to divvy up hot leftovers into smaller portions, then place in shallow dishes to cool quickly. Wait until steam has stopped rising from the food before chilling, so the steam won’t heat up your fridge. Remember to choose strong food-storage containers that are clean and in good condition. And opt for covered containers—they’re always a better choice than uncovered bowls. Never store food in the can it came in.
Don’t Leave Dishes At Room Temperature
Food that’s sat out on the counter for too long can start growing harmful bacteria, so fridge or freeze as soon as you can. We recommend a two-hour window. Try to get food in the refrigerator within two hours after it’s cooked (or sooner if it’s cooled enough). If food has been left out for longer than that, it may be unsafe to eat. Err on the safe side and toss. Next, check out these other food safety mistakes you could be making.
Tips For Using Up Your Leftovers
To make sure your food doesn’t go to waste, get creative! Leftover meat can be added to a simple soup or be combined with eggs into a flaky quiche or frittata. If you have a small amount of leftover cooked vegetables, put an egg on top and enjoy the dish for supper. Leftover grains make tasty fried rice. Fruits can go into a fruit salad, chopped vegetables into a stir-fry. Many holiday foods have ample leftover uses, too. Check out our creative ways to use up mashed potatoes for inspiration.
These are our favorite ways to use leftover chicken.
Creamy Chicken EnchiladasMy daughter has the best sour cream and cream cheese chicken enchiladas recipe I've ever tried. She brought 10 pans of it to my wedding reception and they were the biggest hit of all the food. So many guests wanted the recipe, we sent it out with our Christmas cards. —Pat Coffee, Kingston, Washington
One of our most popular chicken dinners ever, these creamy enchiladas are easy to make at home. Layer a 13x9-inch pan with tortillas stuffed with leftover chicken, cream cheese and spices, then pour over a quick enchilada sauce. Feel free to add or subtract chiles, or vegetables like chopped peppers or corn.
BBQ Chicken SandwichesImagine a barbecue chicken sandwich so delicious you can hardly wait to have it again. Well, here it is: Our recipe features a delightful homemade sauce and uses shredded cooked chicken to save you time.
Leftover chicken is a natural fit for sandwiches. These saucy sammies are so easy to toss together, even though they use a homemade sauce (though you can swap in one of our favorite store-bought BBQ sauces). Serve with a quick side of canned or frozen corn.
Quick Chicken and DumplingsIf there's anything better than chicken and dumplings, it's quick and easy chicken and dumplings. This recipe fits the bill, coming together in just 30 minutes.
Rather than making dumplings from scratch, this recipe calls for a quick substitute: frozen biscuits. The buttery, savory biscuits soften as they soak up the sauce, giving them a squishy, dumpling-like texture (and plenty of flavors).
Spicy Chicken and Bacon MacThe heat in our spicy mac and cheese comes from Cajun seasoning, pepper jack cheese and chopped jalapeno. To turn things up a notch, add hot sauce to the bechamel!
This hearty mac and cheese recipe is a cozy dinner on a cool night. Adding cubed chicken and bacon to the creamy noodles transforms the bowl from a kid's menu go-to to a grown-up treat. If you like to have green on the table, serve with a side salad or steamed broccoli.
Chicken Cordon Bleu CasseroleChicken cordon bleu casserole is made with all the same great flavors of the classic dish but with half the fuss. It'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Thai Peanut Chicken CasseroleI used traditional pizza sauce and toppings in this recipe for years. After becoming a fan of Thai peanut chicken pizza, I decided to use those flavors instead. Serve this dish with stir-fried vegetables or a salad with sesame dressing for an easy, delicious meal. —Katherine Wollgast, Troy, Missouri
This dinner recipe looks so impressive, layered with tasty, nutty sauce, chicken, mushrooms and veggies, but it's incredibly easy to put together. The secret? Using leftover chicken, store-bought sauce and tubed biscuit dough.
Comforting Chicken Noodle SoupA batch of this creamy chicken noodle soup is our answer to soup season or flu season. The soup's satiating nature and wholesome taste will deliver warmth and coziness when you need it most.
A great recipe to make for new parents (or anyone who needs a meal train), this chicken noodle soup is a classic. Though it's flavorful and creamy, it only calls for six ingredients plus water.
Nectarine Chicken SaladWhen guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times.
Chicken PotpieLearning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
Baked Egg RollsEveryone's beloved takeout order is about to get a lighter (and homemade) upgrade with these veggie-packed baked egg rolls.
These takeout-inspired crispy egg rolls are 100% restaurant-worthy, but they're also quick to make in a home kitchen. The crispy shells are packed with fresh vegetables, and chopped leftover chicken gives them enough heft to be a main dish. As a bonus, they're baked, not fried!
Garlicky Chicken PizzaTomatoes, olives and goat cheese really brighten up this white pizza. I like to cook extra chicken for this recipe while making another meal. Just make sure the tomatoes are well drained to keep the crust nice and crispy. —Teri Otte, Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Homemade pizza is surprisingly simple to make, especially if you use store-bought pie dough. Once you start topping your own pies—controlling the amount of sauce, cheese and toppings—you might never go back to delivery. Adding sliced or chopped leftover chicken is a nice protein that matches literally everything.
Chicken Tortilla BakeChicken tortilla casserole is a favorite comfort food dinner. The lasagna-like recipe is super versatile too!
As delicious as individual burritos taste, they're time-consuming to wrap one by one. This casserole makes it quick and easy to serve a crowd. Layer tortillas with green chiles, cheese, chicken and creamy sauce, bake and watch your eaters clean the pan.
BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread PuddingTo me, bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food and it's simply too good to reserve only for dessert. This sweet-and-savory twist on the classic is a delicious new way to enjoy an old favorite. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
This recipe pulls out all the creative stops! Savory toppings turn bread pudding into a totally acceptable dinner recipe. Swapping corn muffin mix for plain bread adds tons of flavor. Chicken and BBQ sauce are a hearty filling, while cut-up apples add sweetness and crunch.
General Tso’s StewI love Asian food and wanted a chili-like soup with the distinctive flavors of General Tso’s chicken. The slow cooker makes this super easy, and you can use any meat you like. It’s a great with turkey, ground meats or leftover pork. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Tossing leftover chicken in a sauce instantly creates a new dinner. While tomato sauce or soy sauce are simple choices, when you're in the mood for something new, try this recipe. Inspired by General Tso's chicken, the spicy, nutty, sweet sauce is easy to throw together and warm through in the slow cooker. Serve over rice or noodles.
Cherry Chicken CroissantsI had a similar chicken salad at a restaurant and created my own version. It may seem like an odd combination, but the ingredients work really well together. My children love it, and it only takes a few minutes to cut everything up—so easy!
Instantly elevate chicken salad sandwiches by serving them on croissants. What a treat! Like every good chicken salad recipe, this one combines a variety of flavors and textures: sweet fruits, crunchy nuts and vegetables, and savory bursts of bacon. Of course, you can swap in your favorite toppings, and serve over lettuce for an easy gluten-free option.
Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken ChiliMy friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas
This top-rated slow cooker recipe has a secret ingredient: Alfredo sauce. The jarred white sauce adds tons of creaminess, and is mild enough to take on the robust chili seasonings. You can easily make this recipe on the stovetop, too; make sure to simmer long enough for the flavors to develop.
Chicken and Spinach Pasta SaladChicken pasta salad can be a light, healthy lunch in its own right, not just a side dish. This one is especially healthy, thanks to its use of whole wheat pasta and especially its hummus-based dressing.
Looking for a pasta salad that's not too loaded with mayo or oil? Try this light, refreshing option, tossed in a savory, flavorful sauce of Italian dressing and hummus. Greek-inspired toppings include leftover chicken, spinach, feta and olives, but you can top with any fresh veggies and cheese you like.
Chicken Florentine CasseroleCreamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, Florida
Wondering how to get fussy eaters to eat spinach? Transform it into a bright green note in a cheesy, herby chicken casserole. Serve this as a one-dish meal, or double up the greens with a side salad.
Quick Chicken & Broccoli Stir-FryThis Asian chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a household best bet. The spicy sauce works with chicken, seafood, pork or beef. Add whatever veggies you have on hand. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Stir-fry is one of the most versatile cooking methods out there. Starting from a base of aromatics—think garlic, ginger and soy sauce—almost any ingredient can toss into a pot. Meats, chicken, vegetables, nuts and herbs all taste great.
Peanut Chicken Stir-FryMake a mouthwatering peanut chicken stir-fry with rice noodles, strips of chicken and a medley of colorful vegetables. This wholesome and flavorful meal is perfect for any occasion.
Arizona Chicken in Acorn SquashGive stuffed acorn squash a taste of the Southwest with this comforting recipe. We love the crunch of the toasted almonds, heat of green chiles, and creamy texture of avocado. —Martha Sparlin, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Try this cool trick with your favorite winter squash: scoop out the seeds and fill the hollow with a mix of meat, sauce and vegetables. Bake them all together, and the squash turns into an edible, healthy bowl, while the filling flavors the entire dish. An easy, versatile weeknight dinner idea.
Simple Creamy Chicken EnchiladasThis chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Cashew-Chicken Rotini SaladI’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
There's no rule that main dishes have to be savory. This pasta salad has a savory base (Ranch dressing = yum), but it's loaded with sweet notes: canned pineapple, dried cranberries and fresh grapes.
Curried Chicken & Peach SaladThis is a very healthy and simple salad to make; even my non-cooking husband can whip it together in minutes. We’ve served this to friends over the years, and they always ask for the recipe. —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Wanna know to make a fresh summer supper in minutes? Top bagged salad greens with jazzed-up leftover chicken. Fresh peaches are a sweet note that compliments the curried chicken salad perfectly, but you can swap in any juicy fruit: tomatoes, nectarines, apples or even berries will work.
Chicken Broccoli ShellsThis cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
This pasta dish looks impressive on a plate. But it's so easy to make: fill big pasta shells with diced chicken and broccoli. You can even prepare it ahead of time, and then bake just before guests (or your family) arrive.
Chicken Zucchini CasseroleFast and delicious, chicken zucchini casserole is an effortless weeknight dish to use up your summer harvest of zucchini.
Have a bumper crop of zucchini? Chop it up and turn it into a juicy, flavorful filling for this summery casserole. The recipe is so flexible: add other chopped veggies, cooked or raw, or your favorite cheese.
Chicken and DumplingsPerfect for fall nights, my simple version of comforting chicken and dumplings is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas
Psst: you can make chicken soup even more comforting than it already is! How? Top the bowls with puffy, buttery dumplings. This recipe calls for a biscuit mix to make them extra simple to make.
Chicken DivanChicken Divan casserole has been around for generations, and for good reason: It's delicious! Made famous by the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York, it combines chicken, broccoli, cheese and a decadent sauce. Oh, and it's really easy to make too.
This top-rated recipe starts with a homemade cream sauce, thickened the old-fashioned way, with a roux. The final dish is especially creamy and unctuous thanks to this easy (we promise!) step.
Chicken BurritosOur baked chicken burritos recipe is wonderfully delicious thanks to loads of cheese, a delightful blend of spices and chicken broth that keeps the filling perfectly moist.
Cooking for a hungry crowd? Bookmark this hearty dinner recipe. Cheesy, spicy burritos are filled with both beans and chili, making them ideal for growing teens.
Chicken Enchilada BakeChicken enchilada casserole is melty, cheesy comfort in a pan. Made with rotisserie chicken and store-bought sauce, it's a weeknight dinner that you can pull together quickly without a lot of heavy lifting.
Enchiladas are some of our most popular chicken recipes, and it's easy to see why. They're oh-so-easy to make, and please every eater in the family. This one uses corn tortillas, making it an easy gluten-free dinner.
Chicken Biscuit PotpieYou just can't beat the comfort meal of biscuit-topped chicken pot pie, especially when assembling it only takes ten minutes.
There's nothing more homey than pulling a bubbling casserole dish from the oven! Even busy cooks can capture the feeling: this potpie takes just 10 minutes to throw together before you pop it into the oven. You can even assemble it ahead of time and slide it in the oven when you get home from work.
Spicy Chicken Tomato SoupCumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper give my slow-cooked specialty its kick. I serve bowls of it with crunchy tortilla strips that bake in no time. Leftover soup freezes well for nights I don’t feel like cooking. —Margaret Bailey, Coffeeville, Mississippi
Want the equation for the easiest dinner ever? Combine leftover chicken with a good slow-cooker soup recipe. This flavorful, spicy soup calls for frozen and canned vegetables.
Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup
You'll need a fork and a big plate to eat these cheesy, gooey enchiladas. Serve them with a good store-bought salsa on the side.
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing BakeI love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
If you're only eating stuffing on Thanksgiving, you're missing out! The savory, crumbling bread dish makes a hearty casserole filling. Here, broccoli, chicken, cream of mushroom soup and Swiss cheese layer into a flavorful one-bowl dinner.
Cobb Salad SubWhen we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio
Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme CrustThis gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpie and gives it a fun open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey. It's lovely for fall and winter dinners, but you can enjoy it anytime. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Although it relies on leftover chicken for filling, this galette is a delicious meal special enough for an occasion. The from-scratch crust gets an extra savory kick from cheddar cheese, and the filling is rich with mushrooms, chard and chicken.
Chicken Alfredo LasagnaOur chicken Alfredo lasagna recipe doesn’t contain any ricotta cheese or red sauce. Instead, we swap in an easy homemade Alfredo sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken and three types of cheese.
Two favorite pasta dishes unite in this scrumptious casserole. Alfredo sauce, chicken, ham and cheese layer between noodles.
Brown Rice MulligatawnyMy friends tell me this is one of the best soups they’ve ever had. One even said it’s “perfect.” No one guesses that it’s healthy!—Sarah Ott, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.
Want a twist on classic chicken soup? Try this mulligatawny, an Indian-inspired soup packed with vegetables and lightly seasoned with curry spices. Brown rice makes for a healthy whole grain filling.
Chicken and Chiles CasseroleGreen Chile Chicken Casserole is a winning combination of tender chicken with cheddar and potato in a tangy, creamy green chile sauce. A final sprinkle of cheese after it emerges from the oven melts on top while it's still warm.
Casseroles are the easiest one-dish meals. This creamy, cozy, slightly spicy dinner is filling and flavorful, and you can even make it ahead.
Chicken Biscuit CasseroleChicken biscuit casserole is rich and satisfying with a broccoli cheddar base and a buttery biscuit topping. The recipe comes together in about an hour and is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Baked Chicken ChalupasForget everything you've learned from Taco Bell. Our chicken chalupa recipe is a lighter version of the traditional Mexican dish, with seasoned shredded chicken baked on top of a crispy corn tortilla shell.
One of our favorite Mexican-inspired dishes, chalupas are usually deep-fried and rich. This recipe simplifies them for the home cook: baking instead of frying, but not giving up a bit of flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Wing SoupMy husband and I love buffalo chicken wings, so we created a soup with the same zippy flavor,. It's very popular with guests. Start with a small amount of hot sauce, then add more if needed to suit your family's tastes. —Pat Farmer, Falconer, New York
Add leftover chicken to any soup recipe, and you'll have a fresh bowl in a hurry. This soup transforms plain rotisserie chicken leftovers into a creamy, kicky soup inspired by chicken wings.
Chicken Tamale BakeEveryone will love the layers of flavor in this chicken tamale casserole: a tender cornbread base, chicken bathed in enchilada sauce and a topping of gooey cheese, all combined into one comforting dish.
This ooey-gooey casserole dish is comfort food the whole family can enjoy. Serve with guacamole and chips for a festive Friday night dinner.
Chicken & Blue Cheese PizzaThe blue cheese in place of the expected mozzarella gives this pizza a surprising and sophisticated taste. It's excellent as an entree or appetizer—it can be prepared in a round pizza pan as well. —Beverly Lynch, Sugar Grove, Illinois
This pizza breaks the convention that tomato sauce and mozzarella are requirements. Using olive oil as a base lets the flavors of the toppings shine, while blue cheese packs in savory flavor.
Swiss Chicken SlidersFriends came over for a spur-of-the-moment bonfire, and I dreamed up these quick chicken sliders so we'd have something to eat. Bake them till the cheese is gooey. —Sara Martin, Whitefish, Montana
There's something about sliders that feels so fun, even though they're as easy to make as any sandwich. Load buns with ham, sliced chicken, and Swiss, then bake in a casserole dish until the cheese is melty. Fun for a party or a family dinner!
Curried Chicken SkilletThis protein-packed skillet dish is loaded with bright flavor. A little curry and fresh ginger make the veggies, chicken and quinoa pop. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
This quick curry skillet puts a superfood at its base: quinoa. The protein-packed grain is naturally gluten-free and full of fiber, and it's quick to cook, too. Making a quick curry seasoning ties the whole dish together.
Chicken Chiles Rellenos CasseroleMy husband likes Mexican food and casseroles, so I combined the two. This chicken with poblanos and chiles satisfies our craving for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. —Erica Ingram, Lakewood, Ohio
A ceiling of savory, tender corn bread blankets this cheesy, spicy chicken casserole. Make this dish on the coldest winter night, and you'll instantly feel oh-so-cozy.
