Chicken is a primary ingredient in various households due to its taste, versatility, and high protein content. Nonetheless, a common question is – how long can cooked chicken be left out without going bad? This guide seeks to answer that and many more questions about handling cooked chicken.
How Long Can Cooked Chicken Sit Out?
Two hours – this is the maximum time that you can leave the chicken out of the fridge after it has been cooked. It is best to eat it as soon as possible. However, if you have no choice but to wait, then make sure to consume it within the next two hours.
On the other hand, if you keep it in the fridge, then cooked chicken can last three to four days. Refrigerating chicken will slow down the growth of bacteria compared to leaving it in the open air.
Cooked Chicken’s Danger Zone
Aside from knowing how long exactly cooked chicken is good for when it is left sitting out, you should also learn its danger zone. This way, you will understand what happens as you leave it and what it can do to the person who will be eating such.
The Danger Zone is not just any term that we are making up. Rather, it is a word that has been introduced by USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. It refers to a temperature range from 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is when the bacteria seep into food. When such happens, the food will spoil, making it unsafe to eat.
When the chicken is left sitting out after it is cooked, it will slowly enter the danger zone. The longer you leave it, the worse the condition will be. E. coli or salmonella will start growing within such temperature zones, increasing the chances of having food-borne illnesses.
Signs of Spoiled Cooked Chicken
Identifying whether cooked chicken has spoiled is crucial. Here are some indicators:
- Appearance: Cooked chicken should maintain a white color unless otherwise changed due to cooking methods. Any discoloration could indicate spoilage.
- Smell: Freshly cooked chicken should smell pleasant, reflecting the spices and ingredients used. A sour or sulfur-like smell suggests that the chicken has gone bad.
- Texture: Good chicken should be smooth and easy to chew. A slimy, sticky, or unusually tough texture could signify spoilage.
Health Risks of Eating Spoiled Chicken
Eating spoiled chicken, especially if it’s been out for an extended period, could result in food poisoning. Symptoms may include fever, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and nausea. Serious cases may require hospitalization or can even lead to death.
Tips to Extend Cooked Chicken’s Shelf Life
Here are tips to prevent cooked chicken from spoiling quickly:
- Check the chicken’s appearance and texture before preparing it.
- Cook the chicken in a clean environment. Make sure to properly wash everything that you will be using, including the pot and ladle. Your hands should also be clean before you touch the chicken and other ingredients. Otherwise, there is a risk of cross-contamination.
- See to it that you cook the chicken completely to prevent the introduction of bacteria. Use a meat thermometer for checking the internal temperature. At the minimum, the internal temperature should be 170 degrees Fahrenheit for the breast and at least 175 for the thigh.
- Store the chicken properly. If you will leave it outside of the fridge, keep it in a container with a tight seal. This will keep moisture and dirt out. However, before closing the lid, see to it that the chicken is already warm.
- Refrigerate or freeze the chicken after it has been cooked. This is your best bet to make it last more than two hours. Reheat before serving depending on the dish that you have.
Raw Chicken: How to Handle it?
Raw chicken is more prone to spoilage than cooked chicken. It can be safely refrigerated for one to two days. For longer storage, freezing is advisable. Raw chicken can last up to nine months in the freezer, while a whole chicken can last up to a year. Remember, correct handling, storage, and cooking are crucial for preventing health risks associated with chicken.
