How Long Does General Tso’s Chicken Last? The Ultimate Guide to Storing Your Favorite Chinese Takeout

Hey, fellow foodies! Today I’m going to talk about something we’ve all thought about as we looked at that box of General Tso’s chicken in the fridge. You placed an order for way too much Chinese food (again), and now you’re wondering how long that tasty, slightly spicy chicken dish will stay good. Well, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to!.

As someone who orders Chinese takeout probably more than I should admit, I’ve become somewhat of an expert on leftover management. So let’s dive right in and answer the big question: how long does leftover General Tso’s chicken last in the fridge or freezer?

The Quick Answer (For Those in a Hurry)

• Refrigerator: 3-4 days
• Freezer: 3-4 months for best quality (though it stays safe indefinitely if kept at 0°F)

But wait! There’s more you need to know to keep your General Tso’s chicken safe and tasty.

Proper Storage: The Secret to Longer-Lasting Leftovers

Let’s be real – nobody wants to waste good General Tso’s chicken. That sticky, sweet and spicy sauce with those perfectly crispy chicken pieces is just too good to throw away! Here’s how to store it right:

Refrigerator Storage Tips

1. Act fast! Refrigerate your General Tso’s chicken within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing it.
2. Use airtight containers. This is super important for both safety and quality.
3. Don’t leave it out. Bacteria multiply like crazy between 40°F and 140°F (what food safety experts call the “danger zone”).

I remember leaving my takeout on the coffee table for three hours while I was watching my favorite show. It hurt to throw away General Tso’s chicken that hadn’t been cooked, but getting sick would have been worse!

Freezer Storage Techniques

Freezing your favorite General Tso’s chicken is the best way to make it last longer than a few days:

1. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. The regular plastic containers that takeout comes in aren’t ideal for freezing.
2. Remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing.
3. Label everything! Trust me, after a month, all frozen Chinese food looks pretty similar.

The Timeline: How Long Is It Really Good For?

Let’s break this down with a bit more detail

Thawing Frozen General Tso’s Chicken Properly

So you froze your leftover General Tso’s chicken like a responsible adult. Now what? There are three safe ways to thaw it:

1. In the refrigerator – This is the slowest but safest method. Once thawed this way, you can keep it for another 3-4 days in the fridge.
2. In cold water – Faster than the fridge method, but you must cook it immediately after thawing.
3. In the microwave – The quickest method, but again, you gotta eat it right away.

I personally prefer the fridge method cause it gives me more flexibility, even tho it requires planning ahead. But we all know sometimes you just get a sudden General Tso’s craving that needs immediate attention!

How to Tell If Your General Tso’s Chicken Has Gone Bad

This is important, folks! No delicious meal is worth food poisoning. Here are the signs your General Tso’s chicken has gone to the dark side:

• Funky smell – Trust your nose on this one
• Slimy texture – If it feels weird, don’t risk it
• Unusual color changes – The chicken shouldn’t be turning gray or the sauce shouldn’t be separating weirdly
• Mold – Any sign of fuzziness is a hard no

One time I thought my chicken still looked ok despite being in the fridge for almost a week. Big mistake! My stomach reminded me for two days why the 3-4 day guideline exists.

Reheating For Maximum Deliciousness

Let’s face it – reheated General Tso’s chicken isn’t always as amazing as fresh. But there are ways to bring it back to life:

Microwave Method

1. Place a damp paper towel over the container
2. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
3. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F

Stovetop Method (My Favorite!)

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat
2. Add a tiny bit of oil
3. Stir-fry the chicken until heated through
4. This helps restore some of the crispiness that gets lost in the fridge

Oven Method

1. Preheat to 350°F
2. Spread chicken on a baking sheet
3. Heat for about 10 minutes or until thoroughly hot
4. Good for larger portions

Why General Tso’s Chicken Might Not Last as Long as Other Leftovers

Have you ever noticed that some leftovers seem to last longer than others? There’s actually a reason for this! General Tso’s chicken typically contains

• Breaded and fried chicken pieces
• Sweet, slightly spicy sauce
• Sometimes vegetables

The combination of moisture from the sauce and the breaded chicken creates ideal conditions for bacteria to grow faster than in some other foods. This is why proper storage is extra important!

Food Safety Is No Joke!

I know we’re all guilty of sometimes pushing the limits with leftovers, but food safety should always be your priority. According to food safety experts, foodborne illnesses can cause:

• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• And in severe cases, much worse

So while I’m all for getting the most out of your delicious Chinese takeout, please follow the guidelines and when in doubt, throw it out!

Maximizing Your Leftover Experience

If you’re like me and hate food waste, here are some additional tips to make the most of your General Tso’s chicken:

• Portion it out right away – divide leftovers into meal-sized portions before refrigerating or freezing
• Consider repurposing – day-old General Tso’s chicken makes an amazing fried rice addition!
• Order strategically – if you know you’ll have leftovers, ask for sauce on the side so the chicken doesn’t get soggy

General Tso’s vs. Other Chinese Takeout: Shelf Life Comparison

While we’re focusing on General Tso’s chicken, you might be wondering about other Chinese takeout favorites. Here’s a quick comparison

• General Tso’s Chicken: 3-4 days refrigerated
• Sweet and Sour Chicken: 3-4 days refrigerated
• Beef and Broccoli: 3-4 days refrigerated
• Lo Mein: 3-4 days refrigerated
• Fried Rice: 5-7 days refrigerated (tends to last slightly longer)

The pattern here is pretty consistent – most Chinese takeout has similar shelf life guidelines. The dishes with sauce tend to have the same storage timeframes.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it – everything you need to know about storing your leftover General Tso’s chicken. Let’s recap the key points:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking/purchasing
• Store in airtight containers
• Good for 3-4 days in the fridge
• Can be frozen for 3-4 months (best quality)
• Always check for signs of spoilage before eating

Do you have any special methods for storing or reviving your leftover Chinese food? I’d love to hear them! And next time, maybe we’ll talk about how to recreate that amazing restaurant-quality General Tso’s sauce at home when you’ve eaten all the chicken but still have rice left.

Until then, happy eating and smart storing!

P.S. When in doubt about any leftover food’s safety, remember the old saying we live by in my house: “When in doubt, throw it out!” Your stomach will thank you later.