How long can cooked chicken remain at 60 degrees?

Cooked chicken should not be left at 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius) for an extended period. The "danger zone" for food safety is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C).

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Bacteria can multiply rapidly in this temperature range, potentially causing food poisoning.

* Safety Guidelines: The USDA recommends keeping cooked chicken at 140°F or above to prevent bacterial growth.

What to Do:

* Refrigerate promptly: If you're not serving the chicken immediately, refrigerate it within 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).

* Reheat thoroughly: When reheating, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for at least 15 seconds.

Remember: It's always safer to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. If you have any doubts about the safety of your cooked chicken, it's best to discard it.