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.
One of the most important things to remember about food safety is how long food can stay out at room temperature before it ends up being 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.
If youve ever wondered how long chicken can sit out and if you can enjoy it safely, dont worry, Ive got you covered! In this post Ill go over everything you need to know about how long chicken can sit out, including 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 often used as an ingredient in many tasty recipes. But it needs to be handled and stored safely to stop the growth of bacteria that can make people sick. A lot of home cooks want to know how long raw chicken can stay out at room temperature before it’s no longer safe 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.
Consuming raw chicken that has been left out too long and accumulated too much bacteria can lead to food poisoning with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. So sticking to the 2 hour rule helps 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 things, like the amount of oxygen and moisture in the air, can also affect the growth of bacteria. For instance, chicken that is sealed in a package may last a little longer than chicken that is left out in the open because it is exposed to less oxygen.
However, it is difficult to precisely determine how all these variables extend or decrease the 2 hour window. For safety, it is best to discard chicken left out for longer.
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. Once again, if the ambient temperatureis above 90°F (32°C), such as at a picnic or barbecue, the two-hour rule decreases to just one hour.
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. The symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending 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?
As a general rule, foods that go bad quickly, like chicken, shouldn’t be left out 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 tell if chicken has gone bad, look at the “best if used by” date and notice changes in the way it smells, feels, and looks. 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. Chicken, whether cooked or raw, should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90ºF.