Is chicken soup left to cool for 4 hours still good eat?

It's not recommended to eat chicken soup left out at room temperature for 4 hours. Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature (between 40°F and 140°F). After 2 hours, the risk of foodborne illness increases significantly.

* Food Safety: The longer food sits out at room temperature, the higher the chances of bacterial growth and potential spoilage.

What to do:

* Refrigerate promptly: After cooking, cool the soup quickly and refrigerate it within 2 hours.

* Reheat thoroughly: If you decide to eat the soup after it's been out for a while, reheat it to a boiling temperature (at least 165°F) for at least 1 minute to kill any potential bacteria.

Remember: It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. If you're unsure, it's better to discard the soup and make a fresh batch.