Poultry: how long does it last?

27 poultry items with published storage times, 3 of them with a specific after-opening window.

Updated 2026-08-07 · Free · No sign-up

ItemAfter openingUnopened / otherStore at
Canned chicken3–4 days5 yearsCool, dry pantry unopened; refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below after opening
Capon (whole)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Chicken (whole)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Chicken nuggets, patties1–3 monthsKeep frozen at 0°F (−18°C) until you're ready to use it
Chicken parts (breast halves, bone-in)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Chicken parts (breast halves, boneless)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Chicken parts (legs or thighs)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cooked poultry dishes3–4 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Cornish Hens (whole)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Duckling (domestic or wild, whole)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Fried chicken3–4 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Giblets1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Goose (domestic or wild, whole)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Ground turkey or chicken1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Pate (poultry)7 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Pheasant (young, whole)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Quail (whole)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Raw kabobs with vegetables (poultry)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Retort pouches or boxes (poultry)3–4 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Rotisserie chicken3–4 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Stuffed, raw chicken breasts1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
TurduckenNot recommendedRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Turkey (whole)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Turkey bacon7 days2 weeksRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Turkey parts (breast halves, bone-in)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Turkey parts (breast halves, boneless)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
Turkey parts (legs or thighs)1–2 daysRefrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below

Tap any item for its full storage table, spoilage signs, and storage tips. A dash means no figure is published for that situation — not that it keeps forever.

Spotting spoilage in poultry

General guidance for the category, not a per-product finding. When in doubt, throw it out.

Other categories

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