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Theres almost always leftover chicken in my fridge.

I have good intentions and plan to eat it, but it often gets shoved to the back.

By the time it resurfaces, I wonder if its still safe to eat.

Grilled chicken breast halfway sliced on a cutting board

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Cartwright is a member of the Food Safety and Quality Management Division at theInstitute of Food Technologists.

Cool the chicken to room temperature first, then quickly put it in the fridge.

If stored correctly,leftover cooked chicken usually lasts three to four days in the refrigerator.

Grilled chicken breasts with thyme, garlic and lemon slices on a grill pan close up, top view

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Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria but doesnt completely stop it.

These containers help preserve freshness while preventing odor transfer to other items in the refrigerator, Cartwright says.

They are also reusable and environmentally friendly.

Its tempting to just keep leftover chicken in takeout containers, but they are often not the best option.

If they dont have tight-fitting lids, they shouldnt be used for longer-term storage.

Cartwright suggests several methods, but no matter the method,verify the internal temperature reaches 165F.

How To Avoid Warmed Over Chicken Flavor

Sometimes you may notice a warmed-over flavor with leftover chicken.

Its nothing to worry about health-wise, but its not very tasty.

He offers these tips to minimize the funky flavor: