Can You Eat Chicken Left Out Overnight? Solved (2023)

Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by Shari Mason

We’ve all encountered the age-old warning: “You can’t eat chicken left out overnight.” But is this culinary caution based on fact, or is it a longstanding myth?

So, I decided to do some tests to find out the real deal.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the truth behind this myth and answer the question: Can you eat chicken left out overnight?

Is It Safe To Eat Chicken Left Out Overnight?

No, it is unsafe to eat chicken left out overnight. According to the USDA, eating chicken left at room temperature for not more than two hours is unsafe. 

Cooked chicken should be consumed or refrigerated within two hours after cooking to prevent bacteria growth. 

“Keep cooked chicken cool; remember two hours rule.”

–Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

However, there are some safe tricks I usually do when consuming chicken that was cooked last night. 

For example, I usually keep cooked chicken in a cold environment (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit), such as in a refrigerator or cooler; it may still be safe to eat.  

Ultimately, it is essential to use your best judgment when deciding whether to eat chicken left out overnight. 

How To Store Leftover Chicken

One of the most important things I usually do is to thoroughly cool the chicken before storing it in the fridge. The hot chicken will cause the other foods in the fridge to spoil more quickly.

Next, I place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic. It will help to prevent harmful bacteria from growing on the surface of the chicken.

Finally, I consume leftover chicken within three days. We don’t consume leftover chicken stored in the fridge for more than three days because the risk of food poisoning increases significantly.

Following these simple tips, you can enjoy delicious leftover chicken without worries.

Read:

• Ways To Make Frozen Chicken Patties Better
• Can I Eat Hummus That Was Left Out Overnight?

Will You Get Sick If You Eat Cooked Chicken Left Out Overnight?

Yes, you might get sick if you eat chicken left out overnight.

Leaving cooked chicken overnight is dangerous because there is a high chance of food poisoning and foodborne illness, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, you may also experience a high fever.

If you think you’ve gotten food poisoning from eating leftover cooked chicken left out overnight, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms.

In most cases, however, you’ll need to drink plenty of fluids and get rest. You may also be given medication to help relieve your symptoms.

Read: How Long Does KFC Chicken Last In The Fridge?

Signs That It Has Gone Bad

Here are some signs that I look to identify spoiled chicken:

• The chicken has a sour or unpleasant odor.
• The chicken is slimy or sticky to the touch.
• The chicken has changed color, often becoming darker.
• The chicken meat is beginning to separate from the bone.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw out the cooked chicken and start again.

Is It Okay To Eat Rotisserie Chicken Left Out Overnight?

No, it is not okay to eat Rotisserie chicken left out overnight. However, rotisserie chicken [1] left out overnight may be safe to eat depending on how it was stored.  

If left at room temperature for over two hours, the chicken should be thrown out. It is because bacteria can grow rapidly on poultry not kept at a consistent temperature.

When in doubt, it is always better to err on caution and throw out any chicken left overnight. But can you eat cold cooked chicken?

Will Reheating It Make It Safe To Eat?

Reheating chicken left out overnight does not make it safe to eat. Bacteria can survive and even thrive in the reheating process. So, if you forget to refrigerate your chicken, it’s best to err on caution and throw it out.

When it comes to food safety, there are a lot of myths and outdated information circulating. One common misconception is that reheating chicken will make it safe to eat.

The only way to ensure that your chicken is safe to eat is to cook it thoroughly and refrigerate it immediately.

So, next time you’re tempted to reheat that forgotten chicken, remember: when it comes to food safety, better safe than sorry.

Does it Matter if the Chicken is Left Covered or Uncovered? 

It does not matter if the chicken is left out, covered, or uncovered. Covered or not, consuming chicken left out for two hours or even overnight is unsafe. 

Some people believe eating chicken left out overnight is safe if it is covered. Do not be misinformed because leaving a cooked chicken for two hours or more gives you a high chance of bacteria growth, which may lead to food poisoning. 

“Eat fried chicken every day as the angels go sailing by.”

– Ella Fitzgerald, Singer 

Factors such as time, temperature, air, and light should be considered because they may result in food spoilage [2].

FAQs

In Conclusion

It is not generally recommended to eat chicken left out overnight. Also, reheating the chicken will not make it safe to eat.

However, if the chicken is refrigerated within two hours after cooking and has not been sitting above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it should be safe to consume. 

Frozen cooked chicken is safe to eat if it is stored in a sealed container to prevent freezer burn. Defrost cooked chicken before consumption.

If you are unsure about the safety of the chicken, throw it out to be on the safe side. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution regarding food.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/93168/rotisserie-chicken/
2. https://food.unl.edu/how-food-spoils