How long do leftovers last in the fridge? For most cooked food, the answer is 3 to 4 days. The USDA says leftovers keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for 3 to 4 months, and the guide above lists exact times for over 100 foods, from cooked rice and pizza to raw chicken, deli meat and opened sauces. Every time comes from FoodSafety.gov's cold storage chart or the USDA FoodKeeper data.
How Long Common Leftovers Last
| Leftover | Fridge (40°F) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked meat or poultry | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 6 months |
| Cooked rice | 4 to 6 days | 6 months |
| Cooked pasta | 3 to 5 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Pizza | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Soups and stews | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Cooked fish | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Rotisserie chicken | 3 to 4 days | 4 months |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 1 week | Do not freeze |
| Egg, chicken, tuna or macaroni salad | 3 to 4 days | Does not freeze well |
| Turkey, stuffing and gravy | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 6 months |
How to Use the Leftovers Guide
- Search or filter. Type a food, like chicken or rice, or pick a category such as Leftovers, Meat or Sauces. Each card shows the fridge and freezer time and where it comes from.
- Track what you store. Click Track in my fridge on any card, or pick a food under My fridge, and add the day you put it away.
- Check before you eat. My fridge sorts everything by use-by date and flags what to eat or freeze today and what is past its time.
Why the Fridge Clock Matters
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F, which is why leftovers need to go into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. A cold fridge slows that growth but does not stop it, so the clock keeps running. Freezing is different: food kept at 0°F stays safe, and the freezer times in this guide are about keeping the best flavor and texture. When you reheat, bring leftovers to 165°F, and bring sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Most cooked leftovers last 3 to 4 days in a refrigerator kept at 40°F or below. A few last longer, such as cooked rice at 4 to 6 days and hard-boiled eggs at 1 week.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken, including rotisserie and fried chicken, lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Raw chicken lasts only 1 to 2 days, so cook or freeze it soon after you buy it.
How long can leftovers sit out before going in the fridge?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it is above 90°F. After that, throw them out.
Can I freeze leftovers to make them last longer?
Yes. Freeze leftovers within their fridge time and they stay safe at 0°F. Most cooked dishes keep their best quality for 1 to 6 months in the freezer, depending on the food.
What temperature should I reheat leftovers to?
Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F, checked with a food thermometer.
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