How long can you leave cook chicken out?

You should never leave cooked chicken out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, especially in perishable foods like cooked chicken.

* Food Poisoning Risk: Consuming chicken left out for too long can lead to food poisoning, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Safe Practices:

* Refrigerate cooked chicken within two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F).

* Keep cold foods below 40°F.

* Never refreeze cooked chicken that has been thawed at room temperature.

Remember, food safety is crucial. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to leaving cooked chicken out.