Better Safe Than Sorry
How Long Can Cooked Chicken Sit Out Before It Becomes Unsafe? Here’s the Scoop
Hint: It’s likely shorter than you think.
By Jamie Lee
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: April 4, 2022
Feeding a hungry family can be quite the challenge, and for many, chicken is a go-to option. It’s loved by kids and adults alike, and with countless recipes available, it’s a convenient choice for busy weeknights. However, in the hustle and bustle of meal prep, you might accidentally leave your cooked chicken out on the counter longer than intended. When dinner time rolls around, you might find yourself wondering: how long can cooked chicken safely remain at room temperature? Did you just ruin dinner, or can it still be saved?
Despite the potential pitfalls, chicken remains a versatile meal option, whether you prepare it yourself or grab a ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken from the store. Many parents like to cook chicken in advance on meal-prep days or get a head start before the kids arrive and disrupt the cooking flow. Regardless of how you prepare or buy your chicken, it’s essential to understand some basic food safety guidelines. While most people know that animal proteins need to be cooked thoroughly, specific details about food safety can sometimes be overlooked. Here’s how to determine if your cooked chicken has been left out too long, necessitating a quick pizza delivery instead.
Is It Safe to Eat?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, cooked chicken can sit at room temperature for up to two hours—after that, it’s best to throw it away. Keep in mind that factors such as humidity and temperature can affect food safety. If the chicken has been left out for one hour in an environment above 90°F, it should also be discarded. This applies to chicken taken on picnics or packed for school lunches as well. It’s always better to err on the side of caution since bacteria thrive at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F.
Additionally, consuming improperly stored chicken can lead to foodborne illnesses, including E. coli and salmonella, which can result in stomach discomfort or more serious health issues. Don’t panic, though—most people experience mild to moderate symptoms. However, understanding the risks is crucial, especially since spoiled chicken can appear and smell just like safe chicken. Therefore, it’s essential to refrigerate cooked chicken as soon as possible to avoid foodborne illnesses.
How Long Can You Store Cooked Chicken?
Many mistakenly believe that keeping cooked chicken in a sealed container will prevent airborne bacteria. This isn’t true, as the main concern lies with the meat itself. Another common myth is that covering cooked chicken with barbecue sauce or other sauces can prevent spoilage. Unfortunately, no matter how tasty your sauce is, it won’t stop cooked chicken from going bad.
The safest storage for cooked chicken is in the refrigerator or freezer. If you’ve prepared chicken for meals throughout the week or have leftovers, you can store it in the fridge for three to four days. In the freezer, it can last for at least four months.
Does Reheating Chicken That Has Been Left Out Help?
You might have heard that reheating food kills all bacteria; however, that’s not accurate. Heat does not eliminate pathogens that have multiplied at room temperature.
How Long Should You Cook Chicken?
For those cooking a whole chicken, the US Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends cooking it to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, measured with a food thermometer. Be sure to check the innermost part of the thigh, wing, and the thickest part of the breast.
Kitchen mishaps can happen, especially for busy parents! Always remember to refrigerate cooked chicken as soon as possible. When you’re ready to eat, reheating it in the microwave or oven won’t compromise its flavor, and you can be confident it’s safe. But when in doubt, it’s better to throw it out.
How Do You Know If Cooked Chicken Has Gone Bad?
Sadly, spoiled chicken can look similar to good chicken. While sticking to the two-hour rule is a smart practice, here are some signs that your chicken may be spoiled: a noticeable change in texture (very soft or slimy), an unusual stickiness, or a strange film. Pay close attention to off-putting smells or color changes; if the chicken appears yellow, green, or gray, it’s time to dispose of it. Bad chicken often emits an ammonia or rotten egg smell, and raw chicken should also be fresh and shiny, not slimy or sticky.
How Long After Eating Spoiled Chicken Will I Get Sick?
If you inadvertently consume spoiled chicken, it’s helpful to know when symptoms may arise. Food poisoning symptoms can manifest one to two days post-consumption, but some individuals may feel ill within hours or even weeks later.
For more insights on food safety and preparation, check out this other blog post. And if you’re looking for expert advice on fertility, Make A Mom offers a wealth of resources on fertility boosters for men. Additionally, UCSF’s IVF resource is an excellent guide for those exploring pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Cooked chicken should not be left out for more than two hours at room temperature to prevent foodborne illness. Proper storage in the refrigerator or freezer is crucial, and reheating does not guarantee safety if the chicken has been improperly stored. Always check for signs of spoilage, and when in doubt, it’s safer to discard questionable food.
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