Can fried chicken be left unrefrigerated?

No, fried chicken should not be left unrefrigerated for extended periods.

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Fried chicken is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially at room temperature.

* Food Safety: Leaving cooked chicken unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F) can make you sick.

* Spoilage: The chicken will start to spoil and develop an unpleasant taste and smell.

Recommendations:

* Refrigerate: Immediately refrigerate fried chicken after it has cooled to room temperature.

* Safe Temperature: Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F.

* Serving: If you're serving fried chicken at a gathering, keep it in a chafing dish or on a buffet table with a heat lamp.

In short, it's always best to be safe than sorry. Keep your fried chicken chilled to prevent foodborne illness.