How Long is Rotisserie Chicken Good for in the Fridge

If you have just bought a fresh rotisserie chicken or made one at home and are considering how long it is safe to remain in your fridge, then worry no more because you’re at the right place. The better part of this article discusses how long rotisserie chicken is suitable for in the fridge and other frequently asked questions regarding the above issue.

What is Rotisserie Chicken?

Rotisserie chicken gets its name from the way it is prepared. Order one, and you will be surprised to see the chicken roasted on a rotisserie. A rotisserie is a cooking machine with a vertical cone or solid round bar, on which you can impale different types of foods. These are proteins (chicken, beef, and other meats) and special vegetables.

Then, the food slowly and continuously passes over the heat source. This method is usually applied to large pieces of meat or even whole carcasses, such as chicken! It brings out tender, cooked-through meat inside while leaving the skin crisp outside.

How Long is Rotisserie Chicken Good in the Fridge: Quick Answer

• 3-4 Days

However, several tips are necessary to make the chicken fresh and safe from bacterial infections.

Cover it properly with an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap when cooling rotisserie chicken. 

It’ll assist in maintaining the moisture content of the chicken so that no other odors and effluences can penetrate the meat. Also, ensure the fridge temperature is at or below 40°F (4°C) to help you cook your chicken safely.

Tips on How to Store Rotisserie Chicken Properly in the Refrigerator

The first and most critical rule in storing the rotisserie chicken safely in the fridge is to ensure that it is first put in the refrigerator within 2 hours from purchase time. 

If your rotisserie chicken is left at room temperature for a period exceeding this time duration, bacteria tend to multiply greatly and lead to cases of food poisoning. 

The room’s temperature is in the danger zone for food safety, 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Because bacteria grow very fast at these temperatures, you should not leave food out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. If the day is hot, reduce this duration to 1 hour.

Step-by-Step Process to Store Rotisserie Chicken

Let it Cool: After you carry it home, let the chicken cool down for around 30-60 minutes. This helps keep it juicy.

Take Off Extra Parts: You can remove the skin and the meat if desired. This makes it more remarkable, quicker, and easier to use later in the performance.

Use Sealed Containers: Organize the chicken pieces in an airtight chiller or several zip-lock food bags. It is preferable to expel as much air as possible so that it stays fresh.

How Long it Lasts: A rotisserie chicken can safely last 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it, and it can last up to 90 days.

Write the Date: In addition, it is important to write the storage date on the container to know the freshness of the chicken.

Where to Put It: Put the chicken on the lowest fridge shelf because that is where it would be coldest, to prolong its shelf life.

Freezing Rotisserie Chicken

However, freezing is best if you store your rotisserie chicken for 3-4 days. It is surprising how long your cooked chicken lasts when frozen; this can be up to 4 months! Here’s how to do it:

How to freeze a whole rotisserie chicken

For a whole chicken, ensure it is frozen immediately after purchase, preferably on the day you bought it. 

It retains all that sound taste! First, let the chicken cool—you may even place it in the refrigerator for some time. This is important, as putting the hot foods directly in the freezer might cause the foods to develop a freezer burn.

To further guard against freezer burn, cover the chicken in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or wax paper. Then, wrap the chicken, place it in a container used for the freezer, and close it airtight. So, I recommend vacuum-sealed vacuum sealers in the shape of a box. In a freezer, your chicken will remain safe to use for 4 months.

The Best Way to Freeze Rotisserie Chicken Without Bones

If freezing chicken off the bone, use different bags; better still, use bags with chicken portions. This saves a lot of time when preparing dinner later! Place your cut or shredded chicken into the bag, seal it properly, expel any remaining air, and go straight to the freezer. Like the whole chicken, these portions will be kept for 4 months.

How to Thaw Frozen Rotisserie Chicken Correctly

Using a freezer can preserve the freshness of your rotisserie chicken for several months, but it is essential to employ safe thawing techniques. According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, three time-based methods exist for thawing meat and poultry.

Thaw in the refrigerator: For those planning ahead, a rotisserie chicken can thaw up to 2 days ahead, but you must do it yourself.

Submerge in cold water: For those who do not have much time, they thaw the chicken by placing it in a sealed, leakproof bag or plastic and then placing it under cold running tap water, which is changed every half an hour. 

If you cut the chicken into portions before freezing, it should only take about an hour to cook, but for whole frozen rotisserie chickens, it may take 3-5 hours depending on their weight.

Cook the chicken frozen: You can also fry it from the frozen state using a stovetop or an oven, as it takes longer than roasting a fully thawed rotisserie. However, the USDA points out that you must properly thaw frozen chicken, destined for further preparation in a microwave or slow cooker, using one of the above-mentioned methods.

FAQs

Is it safe to consume rotisserie chicken after 4 days?

Consuming rotisserie chicken after 4 days is not recommended because it has a higher chance of causing foodborne illness through potential bacterial growth24.

What is the ideal temperature for my refrigerator to store chicken?

Set the fridge to a maximum of 40°F (4°C) or lower to store cooked chicken, including rotisserie varieties, safely.

Can I reheat leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can reheat leftover rotisserie. Ensure it has been heated to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.

What do I do with leftover rotisserie chicken if I can’t consume it in 4 days?

If you cannot consume the leftover rotisserie chicken in 4 days, it’s best to freeze it immediately to prolong its shelf life.

Can rotisserie chicken be left at room temperature?

Rotisserie chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can lead to rapid bacterial growth and increase the risk of food poisoning.

Why Rotisserie Chicken is My Favorite

I love to get rotisserie chicken. I use an incredibly flexible ingredient in hundreds of recipes on my website, like chicken soup and my ever-popular chicken salad. Roasted chicken is always delightful and is an excellent addition to any meal.

Here’s why I adore rotisserie chicken:

• Convenient: It’s the ultimate quick meal! Combine it with a carb and a vegetable for a convenient dinner during the busiest days.
• Delicious: Delicious and juicy, rotisserie chickens are perfect for any meal as soon as you get them home. Some stores also provide additional chips such as Garlic Herb or Cajun.
• Versatile: The possibilities are endless! The meat can be served in soups or salads, as a sandwich filling, in tacos, or in any other recipe that uses ground meat. And spare no time to prepare homemade stock using the carcass to avoid wastage of the components.