Raw chicken is a common ingredient used in many delicious recipes. However, it requires safe handling and storage to prevent bacterial growth that can cause foodborne illness. A common question many home cooks have is how long raw chicken can be left out at room temperature before it is unsafe to cook and eat.
Overview
According to food safety experts, raw chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The ideal storage temperature for raw chicken is 40°F or below. Here is a summary of the key points surrounding raw chicken storage:
- Raw chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours total.
- If the temperature is above 90°F, raw chicken should not be left out for more than 1 hour.
- Raw chicken should be stored at 40°F or below. The refrigerator offers the best storage conditions.
- Freezing at 0°F or below is safe for longer term raw chicken storage.
- Cooked chicken also should not be left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Why 2 Hours?
The 2 hour timeline is recommended because harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter can quickly multiply on raw chicken between 40°F and 140°F This range is known as the “danger zone” for bacterial growth
Within just 20 minutes the number of bacteria present on raw chicken can double in the danger zone temperatures. Extended time leads to exponential growth.
Consuming raw chicken that has been left out too long and accumulated too much bacteria can lead to food poisoning with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. So sticking to the 2 hour rule helps avoid this risk
What Factors Influence Bacterial Growth?
Time is the most critical factor, but temperature also affects how quickly bacteria multiplies. At higher room temperatures, the chicken will enter the danger zone more quickly.
Other factors like moisture content and oxygenation levels can also impact bacterial development. For example, chicken in a sealed package may last slightly longer than open-air chicken due to less oxygen exposure.
However, it is difficult to precisely determine how all these variables extend or decrease the 2 hour window. For safety, it is best to discard chicken left out for longer.
Does Marinating Impact Bacterial Growth?
Marinating raw chicken can add great flavor. However, the marinade does not make the chicken safer at room temperature. Acidic marinade ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice can slow bacteria growth to an extent.
However, many marinades also contain ingredients like oil and spices that bacteria can thrive in. Marinade can spread bacteria around the chicken flesh.
So if marinating chicken, it should still be cooked or refrigerated within the standard 2 hour window for food safety. Do not rely on the marinade to extend the shelf life.
What About Thawing Frozen Chicken?
Frozen raw chicken can be safely stored in the freezer at 0°F for up to 12 months. However, thawed chicken should be handled like fresh chicken when it comes to room temperature storage.
Ideally, frozen chicken should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator. If thawing at room temperature, the raw chicken still should not be left out for more than 2 total hours. And cooked thawed chicken should be eaten or refrigerated within 2 hours.
Storing Raw Chicken Safely
To safely store raw chicken:
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Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf. The ideal temperature is 40°F or below.
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Place the chicken in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag to contain leaks and prevent cross-contamination.
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Use ground chicken within 1-2 days, chicken pieces and boneless breasts within 4-5 days, and bone-in chicken within 6-9 days of refrigeration.
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Freeze raw chicken in airtight packaging at 0°F if storing for over 2 months. Defrost safely in the refrigerator.
Following food safety guidelines helps prevent consuming spoiled chicken. Know the limits when leaving raw chicken out at room temperature. Refrigerate promptly after working with chicken to inhibit bacteria growth and keep your food safe.
How Long Can Cooked Chicken Sit Out?
The same general rule of thumb applies for cooked chicken as for raw chicken. Cooked chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Once again, if the ambient temperatureis above 90°F (32°C), such as at a picnic or barbecue, the two-hour rule decreases to just one hour.
It is not safe to eat raw or cooked chicken that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. Instead, you should discard it because otherwise, youre putting yourself at risk for food poisoning.
If youre not sure about the amount of time your chicken has been sitting out, use your best judgment and err on the side of caution. When in doubt, throw it out!
What Happens If You Eat Spoiled Chicken?
Eating spoiled chicken can lead to food poisoning. The symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the type of bacteria present and the amount of contaminated food eaten. Food poisoning can range from mild symptoms to severe cases requiring hospitalization.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of food poisoning are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Dehydration
How long does it take for raw chicken to go bad at room temperature?
FAQ
How long can raw chicken sit out before it goes bad?
Can I eat chicken left out for 6 hours?
The general rule of thumb for food safety is that perishable foods, like chicken, should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can multiply rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), a range known as the “danger zone.”
How quickly does raw chicken spoil?
Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. To detect if chicken has gone bad, check the “best if used by” date and look for signs of spoilage like changes in smell, texture, and color. Avoid eating spoiled chicken, as it can cause food poisoning — even if you cook it thoroughly.
Can you cook raw chicken that was left out overnight?
Chicken — whether raw or cooked — that exceeds the two- or one-hour rule becomes unsafe and must be tossed. Chicken, whether cooked or raw, should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90ºF.