How Long Can Cooked Chicken Sit Out Before Going Bad?

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? Cooked chicken is a popular and delicious meal, but it can quickly become unsafe to eat if it is not stored properly. Knowing how long cooked chicken can sit out before it goes bad is essential for food safety. In this article, we will discuss the safety of cooked chicken and how to store it properly.

How Long Can Cooked Chicken Sit Out?

Cooked chicken can sit out at room temperature for up to two hours before it goes bad. After two hours, the chicken should be discarded as it may contain harmful bacteria. It is important to note that the two-hour rule applies to cooked chicken that has been left out at room temperature, not in a refrigerator or freezer.

How to Store Cooked Chicken Safely

The best way to store cooked chicken is to place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you plan to store cooked chicken for longer than four days, it is best to freeze it. Cooked chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to four months.

Food Safety Tips

When handling cooked chicken, it is important to practice good food safety habits. Here are some tips to help keep cooked chicken safe:

1. Wash Your Hands

Before and after handling cooked chicken, it is important to wash your hands with soap and warm water. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria.

2. Keep It Clean

Make sure to keep all surfaces and utensils clean when handling cooked chicken. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria.

3. Don't Cross-Contaminate

When storing cooked chicken, make sure to keep it away from raw meats and other foods. This will help prevent cross-contamination.

4. Don't Leave It Out

Cooked chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. After two hours, the chicken should be discarded as it may contain harmful bacteria.

FAQs

  • Q: How long can cooked chicken sit out?
    A: Cooked chicken can sit out at room temperature for up to two hours before it goes bad.
  • Q: How should cooked chicken be stored?
    A: The best way to store cooked chicken is to place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken can also be stored in the freezer for up to four months.
  • Q: What are some food safety tips for handling cooked chicken?
    A: When handling cooked chicken, it is important to wash your hands with soap and warm water, keep all surfaces and utensils clean, avoid cross-contamination, and don't leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Storing Cooked Chicken: Summary

Storage Method Time Limit
Room Temperature Up to 2 hours
Refrigerator Up to 4 days
Freezer Up to 4 months
Cooked chicken can be a delicious and nutritious meal, but it is important to store it properly to ensure it is safe to eat. Cooked chicken can sit out at room temperature for up to two hours before it goes bad. The best way to store cooked chicken is to place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to four months. When handling cooked chicken, it is important to practice good food safety habits such as washing your hands, keeping all surfaces and utensils clean, avoiding cross-contamination, and not leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours. For more information on food safety, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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