Before chicken is cooked how long can it set out?

It's important to keep raw chicken refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below. You should not let raw chicken sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This is because bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature, making the chicken unsafe to eat.

Here's a breakdown of the time frame:

* Up to 2 hours: Generally safe, especially in a cool environment.

* 2 hours to 4 hours: Risky, especially in warmer temperatures.

* Over 4 hours: Extremely unsafe, high risk of bacterial growth.

Important Notes:

* Hot Weather: If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), reduce the safe time to 1 hour.

* Partially Cooked Chicken: Do not leave partially cooked chicken out for more than 2 hours.

* Always Err on the Side of Caution: If you're unsure, it's best to discard the chicken.

To be safe, always:

* Refrigerate raw chicken immediately after purchase.

* Keep raw chicken separate from other foods.

* Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken.

* Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of foodborne illness from raw chicken.