Cooked chicken can safely sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this time reduces to 1 hour. Beyond these limits, the risk of harmful bacterial growth, such as Salmonella and E. coli, increases significantly, making the chicken unsafe to eat
. This 2-hour rule applies whether the chicken is indoors or outdoors (e.g., at picnics or barbecues). If cooked chicken has been left out longer than these time frames, it should be discarded to avoid food poisoning
. To keep cooked chicken safe:
- Refrigerate or freeze it within 2 hours of cooking (or within 1 hour if above 90°F).
- Store in airtight containers or wrapped tightly to maintain quality.
- Cooked chicken can last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 2 to 6 months in the freezer when stored properly
In summary:
Condition| Maximum Safe Time Cooked Chicken Can Sit Out
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Room temperature (below 90°F)| 2 hours
Hot weather (above 90°F)| 1 hour
After these times, discard the chicken to avoid foodborne illness
