Quick Answer
No, it is not recommended to eat chicken that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Cooked chicken that has been left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature can start to grow dangerous bacteria that can make you sick if eaten.
Should You Eat Chicken Left Out Overnight?
Absolutely not. Chicken that has been left out overnight should not be eaten.
Here’s why:
- Bacteria grows rapidly on chicken when left out at room temperature overnight.
- The bacteria that grow can include salmonella, E. coli, staphylococcus aureus, and bacillus cereus – all of which can cause foodborne illness.
- Bacteria grows fastest in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F – which is room temperature.
- Food safety experts universally agree you should discard chicken left out more than 2 hours.
Eating chicken that’s been left out overnight puts you at high risk of developing vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms of food poisoning. It’s simply not worth the risk.
How Long Can Chicken Sit Out Before It Goes Bad?
Chicken should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours before refrigeration. Here are the complete guidelines:
- Fresh chicken can be left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigeration.
- Cooked chicken can also be left out for 2 hours maximum.
- If the room temperature is above 90°F, chicken should not be left out for more than 1 hour.
- When the temperature is anywhere from 40°F to 140°F, bacteria multiplies very quickly.
- After sitting out for more than 2 hours, chicken should be discarded.
The 2 hour rule applies to all types of chicken – whole chicken, chicken breasts, chicken wings, chicken legs, etc.
If chicken has been left out for longer than 2 hours, it enters the danger zone for bacteria growth and should be thrown away. Freezing or reheating chicken left out overnight will not make it safe to eat either.
How to Tell if Chicken Has Gone Bad After Sitting Out
It can be difficult to tell if chicken has gone bad after sitting out for several hours. Here are some signs to look for:
- Slimy texture
- Mucus-like substance on the chicken
- Grey color
- Dull, faded color
- Strong, foul odors
- Sour smell
- Slimy layer on the outer surface
Sliminess, grey color, dullness, and sour/foul smells are clear signs the chicken has been left out too long. However, a foul odor alone doesn’t necessarily mean the chicken has gone bad.
If there is any doubt on whether chicken left out is safe, it is best to discard it. Don’t taste the chicken to check if it’s bad! Even a small amount of contaminated chicken can cause illness.
How Long Can Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored cooked chicken can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Here are the storage guidelines for cooked chicken:
- Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
- For best quality, only refrigerate for 3 days.
- Tightly wrap cooked chicken in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Store cooked chicken on the top shelf of the fridge, where temps are coldest.
- Cooked chicken can also be frozen for several months.
Factors like temperature settings and how often the fridge is opened impact how long chicken lasts. 3-4 days is a good rule of thumb for maximum refrigerator storage.
If it has been longer than 3-4 days, the cooked chicken will rapidly degrade in quality and become unsafe to eat. It’s not worth getting sick over chicken that’s past its prime.
Can You Freeze Chicken Left Out Overnight?
No, you should not freeze chicken that has been left out at room temperature overnight. The bacteria that grow on the chicken can survive freezing temperatures.
Freezing chicken that has sat out for more than 2 hours will not kill the dangerous bacteria. Some bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes can actually thrive in frozen conditions.
Chicken that has been left out too long has to be discarded, even if you plan to freeze it. The harmful bacteria will continue to contaminate the meat.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Properly
To safely store leftover cooked chicken:
- Refrigerate or freeze chicken within 2 hours after cooking.
- Store chicken in airtight, shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.
- Make sure chicken is not warm when placing it in the fridge.
- Use chicken within 3-4 days if refrigerated.
- Freeze for 2-6 months if not using right away.
- Reheat fully to 165°F until steaming hot before eating.
Proper storage prevents bacteria growth and keeps leftover chicken safe. Make sure to seal containers tightly so fridge odors don’t permeate the chicken.
With proper storage in the fridge or freezer, leftover cooked chicken stays fresh and can be enjoyed later without worrying about foodborne illness.
Can You Get Sick from 5-Day Old Leftovers?
Yes, you can absolutely get sick from eating 5-day old leftovers, including chicken. Here’s why:
- Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli rapidly multiply after 2 days in the fridge.
- Mold begins growing after 3-4 days, which also causes illness.
- Cooked food is only safe for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- 5 days exceeds the safe timeframe for proper food storage.
- The older leftovers get, the more bacteria contamination present.
- Reheating does not necessarily kill all dangerous bacteria and mold.
Leftovers older than 3-4 days should be discarded, even if they look or smell normal. Foodborne pathogens can grow to unsafe levels after 5 days, so the risk of getting sick is very high with old leftovers. Play it safe and stick to the 3-4 day refrigeration guideline.
Food Safety with Chicken
Here are some key food safety guidelines when handling raw and cooked chicken:
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw chicken.
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours, at a maximum.
- Eat cooked chicken within 3-4 days of refrigeration.
- Thaw frozen chicken safely in the fridge, cold water, or microwave.
- Marinate chicken in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Discard any chicken left out more than 2 hours.
Following basic food safety practices helps prevent foodborne illness from chicken. Take extra care when cooking for groups, children, pregnant women, and the elderly who are more susceptible to food poisoning.
Can You Microwave 5-Day Old Leftovers?
Microwaving 5-day old leftovers is risky and not recommended. Here’s why it’s unsafe:
- The microwave does not kill all dangerous bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
- Bacteria continues growing even when refrigerated.
- Old leftovers already have high bacteria levels.
- Microwaving may create cold spots where bacteria survives.
- Reheating masks odors that signal spoilage.
- Spores from mold and bacteria can withstand high heat.
Microwaving can give old, unsafe leftovers a false sense of safety. Even if they seem hot, bacteria and toxins left over can still lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other illness if consumed.
It’s best to play it safe and throw away 5-day old leftovers instead of trying to reheat and eat them. The potential health risks are simply not worth it.
Can Reheating Chicken Make It Safe Again?
Reheating chicken that has been left out too long generally does not make it safe to eat again. This is because:
- Bacteria like salmonella survive at hot temperatures.
- Toxins produced by bacteria are heat stable and not destroyed.
- Spores from bacteria can withstand boiling temperatures.
- Bacteria continues multiplying even when refrigerated.
- Proper food storage is the only way to prevent bacteria growth.
Once harmful bacteria have multiplied to unsafe levels, simply reheating the chicken will not get rid of the dangerous toxins or Salmonella bacteria. The chicken has already been contaminated.
For optimal safety, it’s essential to refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat within 3-4 days. Chicken left out too long should always be discarded.
Conclusion
Eating chicken left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours puts you at risk for food poisoning. Cooked chicken that sits out overnight should be thrown away.
Refrigerating cooked chicken within 2 hours and using within 3-4 days is vital for keeping leftovers safe and avoiding illness. Reheating or freezing chicken left out too long does not make it safe again.
When in doubt if chicken has gone bad after sitting out, follow the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t take risks with foodborne illnesses. Discard questionable chicken leftovers and safely prepare a fresh, new meal instead.
