You want to cook chicken tonight, but it’s still frozen in the freezer. It seems like a good idea to let the chicken stand out on the counter, but is that safe?
I answer that question and more about the safest way to defrost chicken so your recipes taste great and are good for you.
Leaving frozen chicken out on the counter is a common practice for many home cooks. We’ve all been there – you take the chicken out to defrost before dinner but get distracted by life and forget to put it back in the fridge. Now you’re wondering, how long is too long to leave frozen chicken sitting out? Can it still be safely cooked and eaten?
I did a lot of research on food safety rules to give you a full list of how long frozen chicken can be left out before it becomes unsafe. In this article, I’ll talk about
- The 2 hour rule for perishable foods like chicken
- What happens when frozen chicken sits out too long
- Safe thawing methods to avoid foodborne illnesses
- How to tell if thawed chicken has gone bad
- Proper storage and handling for frozen chicken
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to safely defrost frozen chicken without worry Let’s get started!
The 2 Hour Rule
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), frozen chicken should never sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This rule applies to all perishable foods like meat, dairy, eggs, and leftovers.
After 2 hours in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F, bacteria on the chicken can start multiplying quickly. Freezing keeps chicken safe by putting bacteria in a dormant state, but they become active again once thawed. Even if you cook chicken that’s sat out too long, some bacteria can still survive and cause food poisoning.
So if you take frozen chicken straight from the freezer and put it on the counter, it should go back in the fridge within 2 hours. The USDA cautions against leaving it any longer.
What Happens When Frozen Chicken Sits Out Too Long
Leaving frozen chicken out for more than 2 hours provides an ideal environment for bacteria like salmonella to grow and multiply. The warm temperature allows them to thrive.
Here’s a timeline of what happens:
- 2 hours: Chicken enters the temperature danger zone. Bacteria begins to grow but chicken is still safe to cook.
- 3-4 hours: Bacteria grows exponentially and toxins form. Chicken is at higher risk of spoilage.
- 5-6 hours: Chicken is no longer safe to eat raw. Cooking can destroy bacteria but not toxins.
- 7-8 hours: Bacteria population is high and toxins increase. Chicken has likely spoiled.
- Over 8 hours: Chicken is completely unsafe. Bacteria levels are extremely high.
The longer frozen chicken sits in the danger zone past 2 hours, the higher your risk of food poisoning. Certain people like pregnant women, children, and the elderly are most susceptible.
Safe Thawing Methods
To avoid foodborne illness, you should only thaw frozen chicken in the fridge, in cold water, or in the microwave. Never thaw on the counter for more than 2 hours. Here are some safe methods:
Refrigerator Thawing
Thawing in the fridge takes longer but keeps chicken consistently cold. Place it on a plate or in a bowl to catch drips. Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds. Once thawed, use within 2 days.
Cold Water Thawing
Submerge sealed chicken in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately, don’t refreeze.
Microwave Thawing
Microwave chicken in a microwave-safe dish, stopping to check often. Cook immediately, as microwaving can begin cooking chicken.
How to Tell if Thawed Chicken is Bad
If you’re unsure about chicken that’s sat out too long, check for these signs of spoilage before cooking:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Weird sour or ammonia smell
- Discoloration, like graying flesh
- Dull, tacky appearance
- Slimy package leakage
Chicken that displays any of these characteristics should be discarded. When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Proper Frozen Chicken Storage
To keep frozen chicken safe, store it at 0°F or below. Follow these guidelines:
- Store chicken in original airtight packaging. Overwrap if opening.
- Don’t overstuff freezer or block air vents.
- Use chicken within recommended freezer times – 1 year for best quality.
- Make sure your freezer temperature is consistent.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which degrade texture.
And of course, don’t leave frozen chicken out for more than 2 hours! Follow the food safety tips in this guide to prevent illness from improperly handled frozen chicken.
The Bottom Line
If you thaw, store, and handle frozen chicken the right way, you can keep your family safe from the dangers of foodborne bacteria. Don’t take risks when dealing with raw meat. Now that you know the rules, you can eat your next chicken dinner without worrying about getting sick.
How Long Can Frozen Chicken Sit Out
Frozen chicken should sit out for no more than 2 hours at room temperature. Keep in mind this is not a recommendation but a pointer, so if you’ve accidentally left it on the counter within that time frame, the chicken can still be cooked.
If you don’t plan to cook immediately, transfer it to the refrigerator.
How long can thawed chicken stay in the fridge?
FAQ
How long can frozen chicken sit out at room temperature?
Frozen chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), it should be limited to one hour, according to the USDA.
How long can you leave chicken after taking it out the freezer?
Information. While foods are in the process of thawing in the refrigerator (40 °F or less), they remain safe. Ground meats, poultry, and fish should be used within one or two more days after thawing. Beef, pork, lamb, or veal roasts, steaks, or chops should be used within three to five days.
How long can you thaw frozen chicken on the counter?
Frozen chicken should never be thawed on the counter. It’s recommended to thaw chicken in the refrigerator, using cold water, or in the microwave.
Is it okay to leave frozen chicken out all night to thaw?
No, you should not leave frozen chicken out overnight to thaw. The safest way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Leaving it out at room temperature can allow bacteria to grow, which can lead to foodborne illness.
How long can frozen chicken sit out?
Believe it or not, frozen chicken cannot sit out for more than two hours, at least according to the USDA. This recommendation goes for any perishable food, though, and you can expect the frozen chicken to last a bit longer, something around six hours.
Can frozen chicken be left out at room temperature?
In conclusion, frozen chicken should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours to minimize the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. Always follow proper thawing methods and handle chicken with care to ensure it remains safe to consume.
Should you thaw frozen chicken overnight?
People prefer thawing chicken overnight to save time especially if it is meant for breakfast. But the method you pick is important because the meat will be cooked for 12 hours and you don’t want bacteria to grow on it. Leaving frozen chicken out overnight gives room for harmful bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Can you eat frozen chicken if left out for 6 hours?
But the USDA says you should throw away frozen chicken after just two hours. If it’s been out for six hours, it should still be fine. However, they say this about every perishable food, and frozen chicken is an exception.
Does frozen chicken need to be refrigerated?
Even though the vast majority of us thaw frozen chicken by putting it on the kitchen board or into hot water, it actually should be done by putting it into the fridge. So although frozen chicken doesn’t need to be refrigerated, putting it into the fridge may be a wise choice while thawing it. How long can frozen chicken sit out at room temperature?
Does frozen chicken turn bad if left out?
Even though frozen chicken should not turn bad when left out for a bit longer than the two hours recommended by the USDA, frozen chicken left out for 12 hours probably isn’t okay. Therefore, we recommend you throw it.