Have you ever wondered how long chicken can sit out before you need to toss it? Its easy to lose track of time when youre enjoying dinner with the family or hosting a party. Ill go over everything you need to know about how long it is safe to let raw or cooked chicken sit out and also how to properly store it. That way, you can help ensure that it your chicken is always safe and delicious to eat.
Did you know that chicken is the most popular meat in the US? In fact, 43% of all meat consumed in this country is chicken. So, why is chicken so popular? Probably because its versatile, affordable, readily available, and can be part of a healthy diet.
When it comes to food safety, one of the most important things to keep in mind is how long food can sit out at room temperature before it becomes unsafe to eat. Chicken, in particular, is a food that requires careful handling and storage. Thats because we want to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
Don’t worry if you’ve ever wondered how long chicken can sit out and if it’s safe to eat. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how long cold chicken can sit out, including both raw and cooked chicken. Ill also discuss how to properly store chicken so that its always safe to eat. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Raw chicken is a common ingredient used in many delicious recipes. However, it requires safe handling and storage to prevent bacterial growth that can cause foodborne illness. A common question many home cooks have is how long raw chicken can be left out at room temperature before it is unsafe to cook and eat.
Overview
According to food safety experts, raw chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The ideal storage temperature for raw chicken is 40°F or below. Here is a summary of the key points surrounding raw chicken storage:
- Raw chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours total.
- If the temperature is above 90°F, raw chicken should not be left out for more than 1 hour.
- Raw chicken should be stored at 40°F or below. The refrigerator offers the best storage conditions.
- Freezing at 0°F or below is safe for longer term raw chicken storage.
- Cooked chicken also should not be left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Why 2 Hours?
The 2 hour timeline is recommended because harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter can quickly multiply on raw chicken between 40°F and 140°F This range is known as the “danger zone” for bacterial growth
Within just 20 minutes the number of bacteria present on raw chicken can double in the danger zone temperatures. Extended time leads to exponential growth.
If you eat raw chicken that has been out for too long and has grown too many bacteria, you could get food poisoning, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. By following the two-hour rule, you can avoid this risk.
What Factors Influence Bacterial Growth?
Time is the most critical factor, but temperature also affects how quickly bacteria multiplies. At higher room temperatures, the chicken will enter the danger zone more quickly.
Other factors like moisture content and oxygenation levels can also impact bacterial development. For example, chicken in a sealed package may last slightly longer than open-air chicken due to less oxygen exposure.
But it’s hard to say for sure how all of these factors make the two-hour window longer or shorter. It is safer to throw away chicken that has been out for a long time.
Does Marinating Impact Bacterial Growth?
Marinating raw chicken can add great flavor. However, the marinade does not make the chicken safer at room temperature. Acidic marinade ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice can slow bacteria growth to an extent.
However, many marinades also contain ingredients like oil and spices that bacteria can thrive in. Marinade can spread bacteria around the chicken flesh.
So even if you marinate chicken, you should still cook it or put it in the fridge within the standard two-hour window to keep it safe. Do not count on the marinade to make the food last longer.
What About Thawing Frozen Chicken?
If you freeze raw chicken at 0°F, it will stay safe for up to 12 months. If you want to store chicken at room temperature, though, you should treat thawed chicken the same way you would fresh chicken.
Ideally, frozen chicken should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator. If thawing at room temperature, the raw chicken still should not be left out for more than 2 total hours. And cooked thawed chicken should be eaten or refrigerated within 2 hours.
Storing Raw Chicken Safely
To safely store raw chicken:
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Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf. The ideal temperature is 40°F or below.
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Place the chicken in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag to contain leaks and prevent cross-contamination.
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Use ground chicken within 1-2 days, chicken pieces and boneless breasts within 4-5 days, and bone-in chicken within 6-9 days of refrigeration.
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Freeze raw chicken in airtight packaging at 0°F if storing for over 2 months. Defrost safely in the refrigerator.
Following food safety guidelines helps prevent consuming spoiled chicken. Know the limits when leaving raw chicken out at room temperature. Refrigerate promptly after working with chicken to inhibit bacteria growth and keep your food safe.
How Long Can Cooked Chicken Sit Out?
The same general rule of thumb applies for cooked chicken as for raw chicken. Cooked chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Again, the two-hour rule is shortened to one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), like at a picnic or barbecue.
It is not safe to eat raw or cooked chicken that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. Instead, you should discard it because otherwise, youre putting yourself at risk for food poisoning.
If youre not sure about the amount of time your chicken has been sitting out, use your best judgment and err on the side of caution. When in doubt, throw it out!.
What Happens If You Eat Spoiled Chicken?
Eating spoiled chicken can lead to food poisoning. There are different signs of food poisoning based on the type of bacteria present and the amount of contaminated food eaten. Food poisoning can range from mild symptoms to severe cases requiring hospitalization.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of food poisoning are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Dehydration
How long does it take for raw chicken to go bad at room temperature?
FAQ
How long can raw chicken sit out before it goes bad?
Raw chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the room temperature is above 90°F (32°C), the time limit is reduced to one hour.
Can I eat chicken left out for 6 hours?
The general rule of thumb for food safety is that perishable foods, like chicken, should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can multiply rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), a range known as the “danger zone. ”.
How quickly does raw chicken spoil?
Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. To detect if chicken has gone bad, check the “best if used by” date and look for signs of spoilage like changes in smell, texture, and color. Avoid eating spoiled chicken, as it can cause food poisoning — even if you cook it thoroughly.
Can you cook raw chicken that was left out overnight?
Chicken — whether raw or cooked — that exceeds the two- or one-hour rule becomes unsafe and must be tossed. It is best to keep chicken out of the fridge for no more than two hours, or one hour if it is above 90ºF. This is true whether the chicken is cooked or raw.