Short Answer 
Leftover cooked chicken should be consumed within 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator, meaning if it was cooked on July 20th and included in a salad on July 22nd, it should be eaten by July 26th. To ensure food safety, it’s important to track dates and regularly inspect your fridge to discard expired items.
Step 1: Understand the Storage Time
According to food safety guidelines, leftover cooked chicken should be consumed or discarded within 3 to 4 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. For example, if chicken was cooked on July 20th and used in a salad prepared on July 22nd, it is crucial to keep track of this time frame. This means you must be vigilant about checking when the chicken was initially cooked.
Step 2: Set a Discard Date
In this particular scenario, the chicken salad that was prepared on July 22nd containing the leftover chicken should be discarded by July 26th. This 4-day period ensures that the chicken remains safe to consume. Always mark the date when you prepare dishes containing leftovers, so you don’t lose track of safe consumption periods.
Step 3: Prioritize Food Safety
To minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, take steps to prioritize food safety. Always check expiration dates and avoid consuming any leftovers that exceed the recommended storage time. Regularly inspect your refrigerator for outdated items and ensure that you are mindful of proper food storage practices.