Meal prepping chicken is one of the most popular ways to save time, stay on track with healthy eating, and simplify weekday meals. But how long does meal prep chicken last?
The short answer: cooked chicken lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. Storing it properly is key to keeping it safe and tasty.
In this article, we’re diving into everything you need to know about chicken meal prep longevity. We’ll cover exact timelines, proper storage methods, and the best tips to make sure your chicken stays fresh, flavorful, and food-safe.
How Long Does Meal Prep Chicken Last In The Fridge?
From our experience with aligning with food safety guidelines, cooked chicken stored properly in the refrigerator should be consumed within 3 to 4 days.
This timeframe ensures the chicken remains safe to eat and retains its quality. It's crucial to store the chicken in airtight containers and maintain a refrigerator temperature at or below 4°C (40°F) to inhibit bacterial growth. It’s also the best way to meal prep chicken if you plan to eat it soon without freezing.
How Long Does Meal Prep Chicken Last In The Freezer?
Can you freeze meal prep chicken? Absolutely. If you're looking to extend the shelf life of your meal-prepped chicken, freezing is an excellent option.
But how long does frozen meal prep last? Properly stored cooked chicken can last in the freezer for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
Ensure the chicken is cooled promptly after cooking, placed in freezer-safe containers or bags, and labeled with the date before freezing.
Tips For Storing Meal Prep Chicken
If you're unsure how to freeze meal prep correctly, just follow these portioning and labeling tips to get it right the first time:
Cool Down Promptly
Once your chicken is fully cooked, don’t let it linger on the counter for too long. It’s important to allow it to cool to room temperature within two hours, but no more.
Leaving it out for too long creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. If you're short on time, spread the chicken out on a clean tray or shallow dish to speed up the cooling process. Once cooled, transfer it to the fridge or freezer immediately to keep it safe and fresh.
Label And Date
It’s easy to forget when you made something, especially if your fridge is full of different prepped meals. That’s why we recommend always labeling your containers with the date of preparation.
A small piece of masking tape and a permanent marker work just fine. This helps you stay organized and avoid the unpleasant surprise of realizing your chicken is a few days past its prime.
Use Airtight Containers
Not all containers are created equal. Opt for airtight glass or BPA-free plastic containers that seal tightly. These help lock in moisture and flavor while keeping air and bacteria out.
Exposure to air can dry out the chicken and increase the risk of contamination. If you want to save on space while still keeping things airtight, you can also consider a vacuum sealer meal prep setup.
Keep Portions Small
Instead of storing a large batch of chicken in one container, divide it into smaller, single-meal portions. This helps cool the chicken faster and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
It also means you only need to reheat what you’re eating, which keeps the rest fresher longer. Less waste, more convenience.
Plan With Purpose
Effective meal prep starts with a solid plan. Not sure where to begin? That’s where we come in. Connect with a Registered Health Dietitian through Berry Street for a personalized 7-day meal plan tailored to your goals, preferences, and lifestyle. Whether you’re prepping for work lunches or family dinners, we’ll help you get it right from the start.
Use The Coldest Part Of The Fridge
Placement matters more than you might think. Store your chicken in the coldest part of your fridge. This is typically the back, away from the door.
The temperature near the front or in the fridge door tends to fluctuate more due to frequent opening. Keeping your chicken in a consistently cold spot helps it stay fresher, longer, and reduces the risk of spoilage.
Don’t Mix It With Other Foods
Cross-contamination can happen even after cooking. Store chicken separately from raw fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat items.
Use dedicated containers and avoid stacking different foods together. This is especially important if your chicken has a strong marinade or seasoning that might affect the taste or safety of other dishes.
Reheat Safely
Safety doesn’t stop once your meal is cooked and stored. When you’re ready to eat, make sure to reheat your chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Use a food thermometer to double-check.
This is especially important if you're using a microwave, where heat can distribute unevenly. Stir your food or rearrange it halfway through heating to ensure it’s hot all the way through.
Freeze In Flat Layers
When freezing chicken, consider using freezer bags and laying them flat. This allows the chicken to freeze (and later defrost) more evenly and quickly.
It also saves space in the freezer. Once frozen, you can stand the bags up like books for easy access and better organization.
Avoid Refreezing Thawed Chicken
Once you’ve thawed meal-prepped chicken, it should be eaten within 24 hours and should not be refrozen.
Refreezing can compromise the texture and taste, and more importantly, it can increase the risk of foodborne illness. If you’re unsure how much you’ll need, freeze in smaller portions so you can defrost only what you’ll use.
Conclusion
Meal prep chicken can be a real lifesaver when it comes to saving time and eating well, but it’s only effective if it’s stored and handled safely. A few smart storage habits go a long way in keeping your meals fresh, safe, and delicious.
If you're ready to take your meal prep game to the next level, find a Registered Dietitian with Berry Street and get started on your own personalized 7-day meal plan today.
