How long can leftovers stay in the fridge, and how long does raw chicken keep in the freezer? Search the chart below. Fridge times assume 4 °C / 40 °F or colder; freezer times are for best quality at −18 °C / 0 °F.
| Food | Fridge (4 °C / 40 °F) | Freezer (−18 °C / 0 °F) |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover cooked meals, soups and stews | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Cooked chicken or turkey | 3–4 days | 2–6 months |
| Cooked meat (beef, lamb, pork) | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Pizza, leftover | 3–4 days | 1–2 months |
| Raw chicken or turkey pieces | 1–2 days | 9 months |
| Raw whole chicken or turkey | 1–2 days | 1 year |
| Raw minced / ground meat | 1–2 days | 3–4 months |
| Raw steaks and chops | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| Raw roasts (beef, lamb, pork) | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| Raw fish, lean (cod, haddock) | 1–2 days | 6–8 months |
| Raw fish, oily (salmon, mackerel) | 1–2 days | 2–3 months |
| Cooked fish | 3–4 days | 4–6 months |
| Raw eggs in shell | 3–5 weeks | Do not freeze in shell |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 1 week | Do not freeze |
| Bacon | 7 days | 1 month |
| Opened deli / lunch meat | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Hot dogs / frankfurters, opened | 1 week | 1–2 months |
| Egg, chicken, ham or tuna salad | 3–5 days | Does not freeze well |
Source: FoodSafety.gov cold food storage chart. Freezer times are for best quality — frozen food stays safe indefinitely at −18 °C. When in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently asked questions
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Most cooked leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge. Cool them and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
3–4 days in the fridge, or 2–6 months in the freezer.
How long can raw chicken stay in the fridge?
1–2 days. Freeze it if you will not cook it by then.
Is frozen food safe forever?
Food kept at −18 °C stays safe indefinitely, but quality drops over time, which is what the freezer times measure.