How Long Can Cooked Fried Chicken Sit Out? (& still be safe)

Written by Jeff Campbell in Food Safety Tips

Fried chicken is flavorful and juicy, making it perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to holiday dinners. But if you’re planning a large family gathering, you may wonder how long can you leave fried chicken out?

Cooked fried chicken should not be left at room temperature beyond two hours. After two hours, harmful bacteria can start to develop on the chicken, making it unsafe to eat. If the air temperature is warmer than 90°F, the cooked chicken must not be left out for beyond one hour. 

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If you plan to leave the fried chicken out for an extended period, it is best to store it in a refrigerator or freezer.

When stored correctly, fried chicken can stay up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator and three to four months in the freezer. The best way to guarantee that the chicken stays fresh is to ensure it is sealed and kept in an airtight container.

But don’t worry! That isn’t always the reality for large parties and gatherings.

So below, we’ll look at the actual risk of leaving it longer. And we’ll also explore whether reheating kills any bacteria that may have formed.

Let’s get going!

Does fried chicken need to be refrigerated?

Yes, you should refrigerate any cooked food within two hours of cooking.

And you should refrigerate fried chicken within one hour to keep it safe for consumption. Bacteria can swiftly proliferate if the chicken is left out at room temperature for two hours, resulting in food-borne disease.

Fried chicken is typically cooked to temperatures of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient to kill bacteria. However, the dangerous bacteria can grow again if the chicken is not properly refrigerated. For this reason, it is vital to store fried chicken in the refrigerator as soon as possible after it’s cooked.

If you have fried chicken that has been cooked in a skillet or oven and is to be served later, then it needs to be refrigerated. The chicken needs to cool down to a safe temperature before being stored in the fridge and should be consumed within two hours of being cooked.

If you plan to store the fried chicken for longer than two hours, it’s best to freeze it. Frozen fried chicken can stay for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re set to eat your piece of cold fried chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator, then reheat it in either the oven or microwave.

Fried chicken needs to be refrigerated if it’s not going to be served right away or if it’s pre-cooked and purchased from a store. The best way to keep fried chicken safe is to cool it down quickly, store it in the refrigerator, and consume it within two hours.

If you plan to store it for longer than two hours, it’s best to freeze it.

Is it safe to eat cooked chicken left out for 4 hours?

No! Eating cooked chicken left out for four hours or more is not safe. When you leave your chicken at room temperature, bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels. This bacteria could make you very sick if you eat the chicken.

The longer cooked chicken is left out, the greater the risk of food poisoning.

Also, the United States Department of Agriculture says that cooked chicken should be left out no longer than a maximum time of two hours. If the room temperature is beyond 90°F, the cooked left-out chicken should be no longer than one hour.

If your chicken has been left out beyond four hours, it is unsafe to eat.

For the best result, ensure to store your cooked chicken in the refrigerator or freezer immediately after cooking. You should also store cooked chicken in shallow containers so it can cool quickly. It should be discarded if the cooked chicken has been left out beyond four hours.

The general rule of thumb for food safety is that if the cooked chicken has been left for longer than four hours, it is not ideal for eating and should be thrown away. Bacteria can multiply in the temperature danger zone within the range of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Any food left out in this temperature range for more than two hours can become dangerous. ​It is crucial always to cook chicken thoroughly and make sure it is cooked to an inner temperature of 165°F before eating it.

Replacing the oil in a deep fryer is crucial to its health and performance. This helps keep the fryer running efficiently and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from old oil.

If you own a deep fryer and want to know how often you should replace the oil in a deep fryer, then you should visit my most recent article.

Here I also provided answers to other important questions like how long oil lasts in a deep fryer and if you can use the oil in a deep fryer.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Is fried chicken OK to eat if left out overnight?

No. In general, food should not be left out overnight. This is because bacteria can grow on the food, making it unsafe to eat. It should be discarded if left out for longer than a couple of hours.

Safety concerns are an important reason leaving fried chicken out overnight is not recommended. When left out, bacteria can grow on the chicken, making it unsafe to eat. The bacteria can cause symptoms of food poisoning, leading to stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The other issue with leaving fried chicken out overnight is that it can become soggy and lose its flavor. As the chicken cools, the texture of the coating becomes soft and mushy.

This makes it unpalatable and can affect the taste of the dish. Furthermore, the chicken may absorb odors from the environment, allowing for a bad smell.

If you are searching for a way or method to keep fried chicken fresh overnight, the best practices are to freeze them. This will keep the chicken safe to eat and maintain its flavor and texture. Defrost and reheat it in the microwave or oven when preparing to eat it.

This will ensure that the chicken is safe to consume and tastes excellent.

The bottom line, it is not recommended to leave the fried chicken out overnight. Doing so can be dangerous as it can lead to food poisoning and ruin the taste of the dish. Therefore, storing the chicken in the refrigerator is best, or you can freeze it later.

Can you get salmonella from cooked chicken left out?

Yes, you can get salmonella from your cooked leftover chicken.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can lead to food poisoning and are present in raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, and other animal products. When these foods are not cooked to a safe internal temperature, the salmonella bacteria can survive and cause illness.

It is important to remember that cooked chicken left out at room temperature can provide a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria, including salmonella.

Cooked chicken should not remain at room temperature for anything beyond two hours, increasing the risk of salmonella contamination. This includes chicken cooked on the stovetop, microwave, slow cooker, or oven.

When you’re handling cooked whole chicken, it is crucial to practice safe food-handling techniques in the first place. This includes washing your hands before and after handling the chicken and keeping it away from other raw meats or undercooked foods.

Additionally, it is crucial to store cooked chicken in the refrigerator as soon as possible to prevent the growth of bacteria. When reheating cooked chicken, it is vital to ensure it reaches an inner temperature of 165°F before eating.

This temperature will help to kill off any bacteria that may be present.

It is also important to remember that salmonella is a common bacteria in many food types. For example, you can also find it in beef, pork, and eggs, so it is crucial to ensure these foods are cooked to the proper temperature.

Oil in a deep fryer is essential for making fried foods crispy, flavorful and delicious. 

If you are looking to buy or already possess a deep fryer and have questions about whether you can leave the oil in your deep fryer, then you should visit my most recent article for answers.

Here I explained when you could leave the oil in your deep fryer and for how long. You may also want to know how to store the oil in your deep fryer; the article also explained that.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

How can you tell if fried chicken is bad?

There are a few indications, including color, smell, and taste. Fried chicken is a delicious treat many people enjoy, but it can quickly spoil if not stored correctly. If you want to avoid being disappointed or getting sick, it is crucial to know how to tell if fried chicken is sour.

First, check for any discoloration or changes in texture.

Fried chicken should be golden-brown, not grey or black. If the chicken looks slimy, has off-color, or shows other signs of spoilage, it’s likely past its prime and a bad chicken. You should also smell the chicken before eating it. Fried chicken should smell fresh and savory, not sour or off-putting.

If the chicken looks and smells normal, take a small bite to check the taste. Fried chicken should have a crisp outer layer and juicy interior, but if these are dry, it is a sign that it is not of its best quality. If the chicken tastes sour or off, it’s likely gone bad.

Another good rule of thumb to know a bad fried chicken is to check the expiration dates on the packaging. Most fried chicken is sold with a “best by” date. You should discard the chicken if the “best by” date has passed.

Finally, store fried chicken in the refrigerator after opening it.

If it’s been sitting in the fridge for a little more than a couple of days, it’s likely gone bad. Discard any rotten chicken that looks, smells, or tastes off, and store it properly in plastic wraps in the refrigerator.

How do you keep fried chicken fresh for a party?

There are different ways to make your fried fresh chicken remains moist, flavorful, and crisp for a party. First, make sure that you fry the chicken correctly.

This means using the proper oil temperature and not overcooking it. An undercooked chicken will be soggy, and an overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.

You should also fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than fry. Once fried, allow your cooked chicken to sit out and rest on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. This will help the chicken cool down and will also help it absorb the oil.

When it comes to storage, the good idea is to keep the fried chicken in a sealed container or a zip-top bag. This will help keep it from drying out. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to two days, but make sure to use it within this time frame.

You can also make the fried chicken ahead of time and freeze it. To do this, place the fried chicken on a single layer of a baking sheet and freeze it for 2-3 hours. Once done, transfer the frozen chicken to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it.

When it’s time to serve the fried chicken, make sure it’s hot. Reheat it in the oven for up to 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help it stay crispy and flavorful.

Once it is hot, you can keep the chicken in a Crock-Pot set to “keep warm” (no need to add liquid to the Crock-Pot) or in chafing dishes with Sterno cans underneath.

Can I reheat chicken that was left out overnight?

The short answer is no.

If the chicken was left out overnight at room temperature, reheating it will not necessarily kill any bacteria that may have grown on it during those hours.

When chicken is left out for more than two hours, bacteria can start to grow on the meat. If the chicken was left out at room temperature, it is best to discard it if it has been left out significantly longer than 2 hours.

If the chicken was left out for less than two hours, it is generally safe to reheat it. To ensure that the chicken is healthy to eat, it is crucial to reheat it to an inner room temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer to observe the temperature of the chicken before serving it.

When reheating chicken, it is vital to ensure it is heated thoroughly.

The best way or method to do this is to reheat the chicken in a preheated oven or on the stovetop. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (177°C) and bake the chicken for between 25 to 30 minutes.

If reheating on the stovetop or any heat, bring the water to a boil and minimize the heat to low. Place the chicken in the pot and cover it with a lid. Simmer the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes.

It is also essential to make sure that the chicken is reheated evenly. If the chicken is not reheated evenly, some parts may not reach the necessary temperature to kill the bacteria.

As a result, stirring or turning the chicken several times during the reheating process is essential.

Chicken wings are a popular snack food enjoyed by all and can be fried, grilled, or baked. If you love deep-fried chicken wings and want to make them, you should visit my most recent article to get started.

Here I explained how long you could deep fry your chicken wings and the ideal temperature. You may want to know if you should thaw your frozen chicken wings before frying them; the article also addressed that.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

How do you preserve fried chicken without a refrigerator?

As a general rule, there are 4 ways to preserve fried chicken without using a refrigerator.

Those methods are:

  • Drying – Use a food dehydrator to essentially make fried chicken jerky
  • Canning – Not terribly useful if we’re taking whole pieces of fried chicken. But essentially you would put the chicken in mason jars, ideally in a liquid, and then seal the jars and boil them
  • Salt cure – As was done with most meat in the old days, or still with bacon, you use salt to preserve the meat. But again, not a great solution for whole pieces of fried chicken
  • Smoking – Probably the best option for chicken as the smoke both adds flavor, but also dehydrates the meat.

Water in the chicken is what allows bacteria to grow. So these methods all use different ways to essentially reduce or eliminate moisture from the chicken.

How Long Can You Leave Food Out?

Final Thoughts

Cooked fried chicken can be a delicious treat, but it is essential to follow safety guidelines when storing and consuming it.

Cooked fried chicken can safely and efficiently sit out for up to two hours. After two hours, you should throw it away to avoid any potential food-borne illnesses. It is important to remember that cooked food, including meat products, should not be left out for more than two hours, as it can quickly become unsafe to eat.

Keeping the chicken at a safe temperature and properly storing it in the refrigerator can help maintain its freshness and taste.

You can enjoy fried chicken for up to four days with proper care and handling. It is essential to be cautious of the time when leaving fried chicken out and to ensure that it is stored appropriately.

Image by PooX2 from Pixabay

Jeff Campbell

Jeff was a leader for Whole Foods Market for over 2 decades and is now a recovering foodie. When he's not spending time in the kitchen, he can usually be found with 3 daughters, practicing martial arts, making music, or blogging on his other sites. Click to learn more about me

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