How Long is Crack Chicken Good for in the Fridge?

A crazy popular dish called “crack chicken” is shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese. This creamy chicken dish makes a lot of home cooks wonder how long crack chicken will last in the fridge. Here’s a full look at how long it will last and how to store it properly.

Understanding Crack Chicken and Food Safety

Crack chicken is usually made in a slow cooker with chicken breasts that have been boneless and skinless, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, cheese, and bacon. Because it is so creamy and cheesy, it goes bad quickly if it is not stored properly.

Chicken itself can be a breeding ground for bacteria when not kept at proper temperatures. Ingredients like cream cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing also don’t help extend the shelf life. And if crack chicken sits at room temperature for over 2 hours during prep or after cooking, bacteria multiply quickly.

Between 40°F and 140°F is a zone where bacteria can’t grow. Leaving crack chicken to cool on the counter for a long time helps bacteria grow quickly, which increases the risk of getting sick from food. So as soon as it’s done cooking, it needs to go straight into the fridge.

How to Tell if Crack Chicken Has Gone Bad

Even when stored correctly, crack chicken has a limited shelf life. Watch for these signs that it has spoiled:

• Slimy texture: Fresh crack chicken will be smooth with moist (but not sticky) shredded chicken. Discard if you notice any sliminess.

• Off smells: Crack chicken should have a mild, slightly sweet smell. If you notice anything sour, ammonia-like, or rotten, toss it.

• Discoloration: Look for gray, green, or other unnatural colors. A sign of spoilage.

• Mold: Any fuzziness, spots, or other mold is an automatic fail. Don’t eat moldy crack chicken.

Trust your senses. When in doubt, throw it out!

Proper Storage and Handling of Crack Chicken

To maximize freshness and shelf life, proper storage is a must. Here are some tips:

• Allow to cool slightly before refrigerating. Don’t leave it out beyond 2 hours.

• Store in airtight containers. This prevents contamination.

• Refrigerate at 40°F or below. Use a fridge thermometer and check it often.

• Freeze for long-term storage. Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers.

• When reheating, reheat fully to 165°F. Add broth if needed to prevent dryness.

• Don’t eat if left out for over 2 hours. Toss it! Not worth the risk.

Bottom line: Chill crack chicken quickly, keep it cold, and don’t keep it too long!

How Long Does Crack Chicken Last in the Fridge?

So what’s the shelf life of crack chicken in the refrigerator?

The USDA says that cooked chicken should be kept in the fridge for three to four days. But it’s best to stay near the lower end of this range for dishes like crack chicken that have creamy parts.

Crack chicken should only be kept for 3 days in the fridge according to most food safety experts. After that, the risk of bacteria growth makes it unsafe to eat.

Many people follow the recommendation to cook or freeze chicken within 1-2 days for optimal safety and quality. So while properly stored crack chicken lasts 3-4 days, sticking to just 3 days is ideal.

Factors that Shorten the Shelf Life

A few factors can shorten the shelf life of crack chicken:

• Improper cooling: Leaving it out for over 2 hours before refrigerating jumpstarts bacteria growth.

• Inconsistent temperatures: Fridge temps over 40°F make it harder to control bacteria.

• Frequent openings: Each time the fridge opens, temperatures fluctuate. Minimize this.

• Cross-contamination: Storing crack chicken near raw meat or produce can contaminate it.

The bottom line is that while 3-4 days is a general guideline for refrigerated crack chicken, many factors impact shelf life. When trying to decide if it’s still good, use your best judgment.

Freezing Crack Chicken

Freezing is the best way to extend the shelf life of crack chicken. Frozen properly, it will last 2-3 months in the freezer. To freeze:

• Portion into airtight freezer bags or containers. Remove excess air.

• Label with contents and freeze-by date.

• Freeze at 0°F or below for optimal quality.

• Once thawed in the fridge, use within 3-4 days.

• Reheat fully until steaming hot, at least 165°F internal temperature.

Some texture changes can occur after freezing and thawing, but it will still be safe to eat when thawed and handled properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my crack chicken last longer?

Proper storage is the best way to extend shelf life. Cool quickly, use airtight containers, maintain fridge temp at 40°F or below, and prevent cross-contamination. Freezing also prolongs shelf life significantly.

What if my crack chicken is a little slimy but smells okay?

Discard it. An off texture means bacteria has likely grown, even if it smells normal. Don’t risk getting sick – when in doubt, toss it out.

Can I eat 5-day old refrigerated crack chicken?

No, 5 days is past the recommended 3-4 day window. The chance of foodborne illness increases too much after 3-4 days. Stick to 3 days or less for safety.

How do I know if I have food poisoning from bad crack chicken?

Nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea within 6-48 hours after eating it are signs you may have a foodborne illness. See a doctor immediately if symptoms are severe.

Will the cream cheese affect the storage time?

Not directly. As long as it’s stored properly, the cream cheese itself doesn’t shorten shelf life compared to other ingredients. Proper handling is most important.

What’s the best way to reheat crack chicken?

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F until steaming hot, about 165°F internal temp. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

The Takeaway on Crack Chicken Storage

Crack chicken is only good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, according to food safety experts. For best quality and safety, use it within 3 days. Portion and freeze any leftovers.

With proper storage in airtight containers at 40°F or below, crack chicken will maintain optimal freshness and safety for a short window. But don’t push it past 3-4 days. When in doubt, throw it out!

The key is quick chilling after cooking and minimizing temperature fluctuations. Keep your fridge cold, organized, and clean. And adhere to food safety best practices when prepping, cooking, and storing this beloved cheesy chicken dish.

With a little planning and smart storage, you can safely whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe and enjoy it all week long without worries! Just remember – crack chicken shouldn’t linger in the fridge for more than 3 days.