How Long Are Chicken and Dumplings Good For? A Complete Guide

Chicken and dumplings is a delicious comfort food that many of us grew up eating. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. But like any leftovers, chicken and dumplings has a limited shelf life. So how long can you safely store chicken and dumplings before it goes bad?

I’ll walk through everything you need to know about how long chicken and dumplings lasts in the fridge or freezer. I’ll also provide tips to maximize freshness. Let’s dive in!

How Soon Should You Eat Chicken and Dumplings After Making It?

Freshly made chicken and dumplings is at its peak quality For the best taste and texture, you’ll want to eat it soon after cooking

Here are some guidelines for consuming fresh chicken and dumplings

• Eat within 2 hours For absolute best quality eat chicken and dumplings within 2 hours of cooking. This ensures the dumplings maintain their perfect tender texture.

• Within 4 hours: Chicken and dumplings holds up well for 4 hours after cooking if kept at a safe temperature. The dumplings may start to get slightly firmer.

• Within 6 hours: You can still safely eat chicken and dumplings left at room temperature for up to 6 hours, although the texture declines after 4 hours.

The sooner you can enjoy chicken and dumplings after making it, the better. But you don’t have to stress if you don’t eat it immediately. Just be aware the dumplings become less soft over time.

How Long Does Chicken and Dumplings Last in the Fridge?

Properly stored in the fridge, chicken and dumplings keeps for 3-4 days.

Here are some tips for maximizing how long chicken and dumplings lasts refrigerated:

• Let it cool completely before refrigerating. Don’t put piping hot chicken and dumplings straight into the fridge. This can raise the temperature and spoil other foods.

• Store in airtight containers. Use containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent drying out.

• Don’t overfill containers. This prevents adequate cooling.

• Use shallow containers. Shallow storage allows faster chilling in the fridge.

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Get leftovers into the fridge within this window to maximize freshness.

Follow these tips and homemade chicken and dumplings keeps for a good 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The dumplings may soften slightly over time.

How Can You Tell if Refrigerated Chicken and Dumplings Has Gone Bad?

Although chicken and dumplings keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated, eventually it will show signs of spoilage. Here’s how to know if refrigerated chicken and dumplings has gone bad:

• Slimy texture. A slippery, slimy feel indicates bacterial growth.

• Strange odor. If it smells unpleasant or funky, don’t eat it. Fresh chicken and dumplings has a savory aroma.

• Mold growth. Dry fuzzy spots or color changes signal spoilage. Don’t rely on skimming it off. Discard moldy chicken and dumplings.

• Changes in color. Gravy may darken and dumplings look dry if chicken and dumplings is past its prime.

When inspecting the leftovers, if anything seems off from freshly made chicken and dumplings, it’s safest to toss it. Don’t risk eating spoiled chicken and dumplings.

How Long Does Chicken and Dumplings Last in the Freezer?

The freezer keeps chicken and dumplings safe almost indefinitely. However, the taste and texture deteriorates over time.

Here are some freezer guidelines for best quality:

• 2-3 months: Excellent quality if frozen within 2 days of cooking.

• 4 months: Still tastes good. Dumplings get slightly mushy.

• 6 months: Noticeable decline in texture, although still edible.

• 12 months: Chicken and dumplings will become dry, freezer burnt, and less appetizing. Flavor dulls.

For optimal freshness and taste, try to eat frozen chicken and dumplings within 4 months. Properly seal containers to prevent freezer burn.

Thaw chicken and dumplings in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add a bit of chicken broth or milk when reheating to restore moisture if needed.

Safety Tips for Enjoying Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is highly perishable. Follow these safety guidelines:

• Discard chicken and dumplings left out over 6 hours. Don’t risk eating it if it’s been unrefrigerated for longer.

• When reheating, heat it thoroughly until piping hot, at least 165°F. This kills any bacteria.

• Don’t save chicken and dumplings again after reheating leftovers. Only reheat it once.

• Check for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. If in doubt, throw it out!

Adhering to food safety recommendations helps prevent foodborne illness from chicken and dumplings. Take care storing and reheating any leftovers.

Chicken and dumplings can be enjoyed freshly cooked for up to 6 hours. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. For longer freezer storage, eat frozen chicken and dumplings within 4 months.