Barbecued chicken is a delicious and popular meal enjoyed by many. However, like any perishable food, it requires proper storage to maximize freshness and avoid foodborne illness. So how long does bbq chicken last in the fridge?
Factors That Determine How Long BBQ Chicken Lasts
Several key factors affect how long bbq chicken will last refrigerated:
Type of Chicken
- Whole chicken lasts longer than pieces.
- Bone-in chicken keeps longer than boneless. Bones and skin help seal in moisture and prevent spoilage bacteria growth.
- Dark meat lasts longer than white breast meat due to its higher fat content.
Marinade
- Acidic marinades like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt help tenderize meat and fight bacteria.
- Oil-based marinades spoil faster.
Refrigeration Temperature
- BBQ chicken lasts longer stored at a consistent 40°F (4°C) or below.
- The warmer the fridge, the faster it spoils. Keep your refrigerator between 34-40°F.
Storage Container
- Store bbq chicken in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.
- Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meats separate.
- Air exposure dries chicken out and promotes spoilage.
Cooked Temperature
- Fully cooked chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F lasts longer than partially cooked.
- Partial cooking can spread bacteria throughout meat before killing them off.
Freshness of Raw Chicken
- The fresher chicken is before cooking, the longer it will last after.
- Check raw chicken’s use-by date and visual signs of spoilage.
With proper food safety practices, you can maximize your bbq chicken’s shelf life. Now let’s look at specific fridge storage times.
How Long Does BBQ Chicken Last Refrigerated
Here are general guidelines for how long bbq chicken lasts in the fridge, depending on the type:
Whole BBQ Chicken
3-4 days
A whole barbecued chicken will keep for 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Its intact structure helps preserve moisture and prevent spoilage. Store tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container.
BBQ Chicken Pieces
3-4 days
Cut-up bbq chicken pieces also last around 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Store in a sealed container to contain juices and avoid cross-contamination.
BBQ Chicken Wings
3-4 days
BBQ chicken wings keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge. The small pieces are prone to drying out so seal them in an airtight container or bag.
Pulled BBQ Chicken
3-4 days
Shredded or pulled bbq chicken will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Transfer to an airtight container, removing as much air as possible.
Leftover BBQ Chicken
3-4 days
Leftover bbq chicken from a meal should be refrigerated within 2 hours and keeps for 3 to 4 days. Store in shallow airtight containers allowing rapid cooling.
Cooked BBQ Chicken Breasts
3-4 days
Cooked boneless chicken breasts without skin last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
BBQ Chicken Salad
3-4 days
A prepared chicken salad with bbq chicken pieces lasts 3 to 4 days refrigerated. The mayonnaise-based dressing can cause it to spoil faster.
As you can see, most types of bbq chicken last approximately 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Proper storage helps extend its shelf life. Now let’s go over some signs of spoiled bbq chicken.
How To Tell If BBQ Chicken Has Gone Bad
Here are some common signs that indicate your bbq chicken has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Slimy texture – A slippery, slimy feel indicates bacterial growth.
- Mold growth – Fuzzy mold spots mean the chicken is past safe consumption.
- Off odors – A rancid, sour or ammonia-like smell denotes spoilage.
- Change in color – Greenish, gray or dull tones signify the chicken is bad.
- Discoloration – Slimy liquid or spots around the meat spells trouble.
- Expired date – Follow use-by dates printed on commercial bbq chicken packaging.
- Illness – If eating chicken makes you sick, it’s gone bad. Don’t risk tasting questionable chicken!
When in doubt, remember the old adage: When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t gamble with your health.
Storing BBQ Chicken for Maximum Freshness
Storing bbq chicken properly not only extends its shelf life but keeps it fresher longer. Follow these tips:
- Refrigeratechicken within two hours of cooking, and within one hour if the weather is 90°F (32°C) or hotter.
- Allow chicken to cool completely before refrigerating. Hot chicken raises fridge temperature and could spoil other foods.
- Use shallow airtight containers or resealable bags to contain juices.
- Remove stuffing from whole chicken and store separately.
- Keep raw meats on bottom shelves below cooked items to prevent bacterial cross-contamination.
- Label storage containers with contents and dates for easy identification.
- Place bbq chicken on a plate on a fridge shelf rather than the door, which experiences more temperature fluctuations.
- Regularly clean out your refrigerator. Wipe up spills immediately to minimize bacterial growth.
Following proper food safety and storage guidelines helps your bbq chicken last as long as possible in the fridge.
Can You Freeze BBQ Chicken?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of barbecue chicken even longer. Here are some freezing tips:
- Cool bbq chicken completely before freezing, within 2 hours after cooking.
- Portion chicken into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Label bags/containers with contents and freeze-by dates (2-3 months).
- Freeze chicken pieces or shredded chicken in marinade or sauce for added flavor and juiciness when thawed.
- Place a layer of wax paper between stacked chicken breasts or pieces to make separation easier.
- Store chicken on lower freezer shelves at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
- Thaw frozen chicken slowly in the fridge 24 hours before use for food safety. Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water.
With proper freezing techniques, you can store bbq chicken for 2 to 3 months and enjoy its delicious flavor long term!
Enjoying Leftover BBQ Chicken Safely
Leftover bbq chicken can provide quick, tasty meals, as long as you handle it safely. Follow these pro tips:
- Discard chicken left at room temperature more than 2 hours after cooking (1 hour if over 90°F outdoors).
- Never reheat chicken more than once. Reheating allows bacteria to grow again.
- Reheat thawed bbq chicken until steaming hot, at least 165°F. Bring soups, sauces and gravy to a full rolling boil.
- Only microwave chicken pieces and slices. Microwaving whole pieces may leave cold spots where bacteria survive.
- Stir or turn chicken pieces several times during microwaving for even heating throughout.
- Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days and freeze the rest for later use.
Reheating your bbq chicken thoroughly until piping hot ensures you safely enjoy all your delicious leftovers.
FAQs About BBQ Chicken Storage
Still have questions about how long bbq chicken lasts? Here are answers to some common queries:
How long does cooked bbq chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored, cooked bbq chicken lasts 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Be sure to seal it in airtight containers or bags, allowing it to cool completely first.
Can you freeze leftover bbq chicken?
Yes. Freezing is the best way to preserve leftover bbq chicken long-term. Portion it into freezer bags or containers, removing excess air. Thaw in the refrigerator before use within 2 to 3 months.
How can you tell if bbq chicken has gone bad?
Signs that bbq chicken has spoiled include an off smell, slimy texture, discoloration, mold and illness after eating. When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t take risks with suspect poultry.
Does bbq chicken last longer refrigerated or frozen?
Frozen bbq chicken has a significantly longer shelf life than refrigerated. Frozen properly at 0°F, it will last 2 to 3 months in the freezer compared to just 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Is it safe to eat bbq chicken that smells a little funny?
No. Do not eat chicken with an off or questionable odor. Strange smells indicate spoilage and risk of food poisoning. Always discard smelly leftovers.
Can bbq chicken be refrozen once thawed?
It is unsafe to refreeze thawed raw chicken. However, thawed cooked bbq chicken can be refrozen if it still smells fresh and has no signs of spoilage. Refreeze immediately and use within 1 month.
Following proper storage methods, handling and reheating will help you get the most out of your bbq chicken safely.
Enjoy Delicious BBQ Chicken Safely
Barbecue chicken is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. Armed with knowledge on how long bbq chicken lasts refrigerated and frozen, you can fix picnic-perfect poultry for the whole family to enjoy. With proper food safety precautions, you’ll keep your chicken fresh and appetizing for leftovers too. Just remember to refrigerate promptly after cooking, check for signs of spoilage, and thoroughly reheat to 165°F. By mastering bbq chicken storage, you can savor scrumptious chicken all season long without worry. So fire up the grill and look forward to delicious chicken, safely stored and reheated, anytime!