how long can cooked chicken sit out?

TLDR: Cooked chicken should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C). Proper storage and handling are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Cooked chicken is a popular food item, but it's crucial to understand how long it can safely sit out. The "temperature danger zone" is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly. To minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, cooked chicken should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours; this time decreases to one hour in warmer conditions. Factors such as ambient temperature, the initial cooking temperature, and handling practices can all affect safety.

To ensure safety, it's best to refrigerate cooked chicken promptly within two hours and use airtight containers. If you have a large batch, dividing it into smaller portions can help it cool faster. When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C). Remember, reheating does not eliminate toxins produced by bacteria, so it's safer to discard chicken left out for too long. Following these guidelines will help you enjoy cooked chicken without health risks.