Anyone familiar with handling raw or cooked chicken knows that safely storing poultry at the proper temperature is essential. This ensures the meat remains safe for consumption and prevents foodborne illness.
When storing cooked chicken leftovers, wrap the cooked poultry in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container after it cools. The USDA says cooked poultry lasts three to four days in the fridge.
If the color of the chicken ever goes from white to brown or gray to green, has a foul odor, grows moldy spots, or becomes slimy, throw it out. For storing raw chicken, wrap it first with plastic wrap, place it into airtight plastic bags, and keep it on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator for one to two days at 40 degrees F.