Fried chicken is undeniably a delectable treat, but it’s essential to know how long it can safely sit out at room temperature before it becomes a potential health hazard. So how long can fried chicken sit out?
Cooked chicken, including fried chicken, should not be left out at room temperature for an extended period. According to USDA, the general rule of thumb is that cooked chicken should not sit out for more than two hours. Unless, it may lead to the rapid growth of harmful bacteria, potentially causing foodborne illnesses. To ensure food safety, you should promptly refrigerate any leftover fried chicken after it has been served and enjoyed.
Read on to learn more about the signs of spoilage on fried chicken, potential risks of consuming chicken that has been left out for too long and best practices for storing and reheating fried chicken to maintain its texture and flavor.
How Long Can Fried Chicken Sit Out?
After cooking chicken, like fried chicken, it’s best not to leave it out at room temperature for too long. This is because bacteria thrive and multiply quickly in what’s called the “danger zone,” a temperature range between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises not leaving cooked chicken out in this range for more than two hours.
When cooked chicken stays at room temperature, especially in the danger zone, harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) can start to multiply. Eating chicken with these bacteria can make you sick and cause problems like feeling nauseous, vomiting, having diarrhea, stomach cramps, and even fever.
To keep your fried chicken safe to eat, it’s essential to store any left-out chicken in the refrigerator right away. This cooling process should start within two hours to get the chicken’s temperature below the danger zone. When you store the cooked chicken at a temperature below 40°F (4°C), it slows down the growth of bacteria and lowers the risk of foodborne illnesses.
How Can We Tell If Fried Chicken Is Bad?
Even though we all enjoy the deliciousness of fried chicken, it’s vital to know how to spot signs that it might have spoiled. Eating bad chicken can cause food poisoning, which is not a pleasant experience. Luckily, there are some things you can look for to check if your fried chicken has gone bad. It’s important same as check the smell of raw chicken. Let’s explore some clear signs that it’s time to say goodbye to your once delightful treat:
- Unpleasant smell: If the fried chicken gives off a strange or bad smell, it’s one of the first signs that it may have gone bad. A sour or rancid odor means harmful bacteria might be growing, making it unsafe to eat.
- Weird appearance: Take a good look at the fried chicken. If you notice any unusual colors like green or gray spots, or if the chicken looks slimy or sticky, it’s a sign that harmful bacteria have taken over, and the chicken is no longer safe to eat.
- Texture change: Normally, freshly fried chicken has a crispy and tender texture. But if you feel a sudden change, like it becoming mushy or losing moisture, it could mean the chicken has spoiled and should be avoided.
- Odd taste: When you take a bite of fried chicken and it tastes unusually bitter or bad, that’s a strong signal that the chicken is no longer safe to eat. Trust your taste buds; they can warn you about potential food safety risks.
- Time left out: If you accidentally left your fried chicken out at room temperature for more than two hours, it significantly increases the chance of bacteria growing. In such cases, it’s best to play it safe and throw the chicken away to avoid the risk of getting sick from foodborne illnesses.
Remember, once fried chicken has gone bad, reheating it or adding more spices won’t make it safe to eat. If you have any doubts about the quality or safety of the chicken, it’s better to discard the chicken to protect yourself and others from potential food poisoning. Being cautious about the freshness of your fried chicken ensures you can enjoy it without any worries about getting sick.
What happens if I eat fried chicken that has been sitting out for more than 2 hours?
As mentioned above, bacteria in spoiled fried chicken like Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) can lead to various symptoms, such as feeling sick, throwing up, having diarrhea, stomach cramps, and even a fever. The seriousness of these symptoms may depend on the kind and amount of bacteria in the chicken.
Being careful not to leave cooked chicken out for too long is essential. Even if you reheat the chicken later, it won’t get rid of the risk of food poisoning if harmful bacteria have already grown. To keep yourself safe and healthy, it’s best to follow food safety guidelines and quickly put any leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator after you’ve finished eating. If, by mistake, you leave the chicken out for a long time, it’s better to avoid eating it completely and throw it away to avoid possible health problems.
How To Store Fried Chicken?
Storing fried chicken properly is crucial to keep it tasty and safe to eat. After enjoying your crispy treat, let it cool down at room temperature for about an hour (if it’s warm, no more than one hour) to avoid bacteria from growing. Then, put the chicken in airtight containers or special plastic bags for storage. This helps keep it fresh and prevents contamination.
Once the chicken has cooled, quickly refrigerate it at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to slow down bacteria growth. Keep the chicken in the main part of the fridge, not in the door where it gets warmer. Arrange the fried chicken in one layer in the container to prevent pieces from sticking together and creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
To stay organized, label the container with the date if you’ll keep the chicken for more than a day. This way, you’ll know how long it’s been stored, and you can eat it before it becomes risky.
When stored properly, fried chicken stays safe to eat for about 3 to 4 days. After that, it’s better to throw away any leftovers to avoid foodborne illnesses.
If you want to keep the chicken for longer, freezing is an option. Wrap each piece individually in plastic or foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also use airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Properly stored, fried chicken can stay in the freezer for several months.
How Should We Do To Reheat Fried Chicken?
When you want to warm up your leftover fried chicken, it’s crucial to do it properly to keep its crunchy outside and tender inside. Luckily, there are different methods you can use, each with its advantages.
The oven method is a favorite because it helps maintain the chicken’s crispy texture. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the chicken pieces on the sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly brush the chicken with a little oil or melted butter to keep it moist. Reheat the chicken in the oven for around 15 to 20 minutes, and check if it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside to make sure it’s safe to eat.
For smaller portions, the stovetop skillet method is quick and convenient. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add some cooking oil or butter to prevent sticking. Put the chicken pieces in the pan, keeping them in a single layer. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method keeps the chicken juicy and creates a crispy crust.
If you own an air fryer, it’s an excellent option to reheat fried chicken while keeping it crispy. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in the fryer basket without overcrowding. Reheat for about 5 to 8 minutes, flipping it midway for even heating. The air fryer method is quick and ensures the chicken stays crispy.
Although the microwave is fast, it may not maintain the desired crispiness. If you choose this method, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Reheat on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes and check if it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. Just remember, the microwave may make the chicken slightly soggy.
Regardless of the method, yoi should reheat the fried chicken only once and eat it right away. Reheating multiple times can affect its taste and safety. By following these tips, you can enjoy your reheated fried chicken as tasty as it was when it was freshly cooked, savoring each crispy and flavorful bite.
Video About How Long Can Fried Chicken Sit Out
FAQs
Can I eat fried chicken left out overnight?
No, it’s not a good idea to eat fried chicken that has been left out overnight. When cooked chicken sits at room temperature for more than two hours, it becomes unsafe to eat because harmful bacteria start to grow and can make you sick.
Is it safe to eat cooked chicken left out for 4 hours?
No, it’s not safe to eat cooked chicken that has been sitting out for 4 hours. Following the general guideline, cooked chicken should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent the possibility of getting food poisoning from harmful bacteria.
Can you eat cooked chicken left out for 12 hours?
No, you can not and should not eat cooked chicken that has been left out for 12 hours. Allowing cooked chicken to sit out for such a long time creates a perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow and multiply, which raises the chances of getting food poisoning.
How long can fried chicken sit out at a picnic?
When you’re at a picnic, it’s safest to eat fried chicken within 2 hours of serving. However, if the weather is hot and the temperature goes above 90°F (32°C), the safe time decreases to just 1 hour. This precaution is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria that can grow rapidly in warm conditions. Enjoy your picnic treats while they’re fresh and safe to eat!
References
- Wikipedia – Fried chicken – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fried_chicken
- USDA – Chicken from Farm to Table – https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/chicken-farm-table
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