What To Know
- Place cooked chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Wrap the chicken and gravy tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Cooked chicken is a versatile and convenient food item that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential for cooked chicken to go bad if it is not stored properly. In this blog post, we will explore the question “can cooked chicken go bad if left out” and provide comprehensive guidance on how to safely store and handle cooked chicken to prevent spoilage.
How Long Can Cooked Chicken Last at Room Temperature?
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) recommends that cooked chicken be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. At room temperature, cooked chicken can begin to spoil within 2-4 hours. This is because bacteria can grow rapidly in warm, moist environments.
Signs of Spoiled Cooked Chicken
There are several signs that can indicate that cooked chicken has gone bad:
- Unpleasant odor: Spoiled cooked chicken will have a sour, pungent, or ammonia-like odor.
- Slimy texture: The surface of spoiled cooked chicken may become slimy or sticky to the touch.
- Mold growth: Mold can appear as white, green, or black spots on the surface of spoiled cooked chicken.
- Discoloration: Spoiled cooked chicken may develop a grayish or greenish tint.
- Sour taste: If you taste cooked chicken and it has a sour or off-flavor, it is likely spoiled.
Consequences of Eating Spoiled Cooked Chicken
Consuming spoiled cooked chicken can lead to foodborne illness, which can cause a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In severe cases, foodborne illness can be life-threatening.
Tips for Safely Storing Cooked Chicken
To prevent cooked chicken from going bad, it is essential to store it properly. Here are some tips:
- Refrigerate promptly: Refrigerate cooked chicken within two hours of cooking.
- Store in an airtight container: Place cooked chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Keep it cold: Store cooked chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back or bottom shelf.
- Use within 3-4 days: Cooked chicken should be used within 3-4 days of refrigerating.
Reheating Cooked Chicken
If you need to reheat cooked chicken, it is important to do so safely. Here are some steps to follow:
- Thaw frozen chicken: If the chicken is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.
- Heat to internal temperature: Reheat cooked chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use a food thermometer: Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it has reached the correct temperature.
- Reheat only once: Cooked chicken should only be reheated once.
Can You Freeze Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken to extend its shelf life. Here are some tips:
- Cool before freezing: Allow cooked chicken to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly: Wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing Frozen Cooked Chicken
When you are ready to use frozen cooked chicken, you can thaw it in several ways:
- Refrigerator thawing: Place the frozen cooked chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cold water thawing: Submerge the frozen cooked chicken in cold water in a sealed plastic bag.
- Microwave thawing: Use the defrost setting on your microwave to thaw the frozen cooked chicken.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I leave cooked chicken out overnight?
A: No, cooked chicken should not be left out overnight. It should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
Q: How can I tell if cooked chicken is still good?
A: Look for signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant odor, slimy texture, mold growth, discoloration, or sour taste.
Q: What is the best way to reheat cooked chicken?
A: Reheat cooked chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a food thermometer.
Q: Can I freeze cooked chicken with gravy?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken with gravy. Wrap the chicken and gravy tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Q: How long can I keep cooked chicken in the freezer?
A: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
