How long can baked chicken stay out of refrigerator?

Baked chicken should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours at room temperature. This is because bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature and make the chicken unsafe to eat.

Here's a breakdown:

* 2 hours: The maximum safe time to leave baked chicken out at room temperature.

* 1 hour: This is the recommended maximum time if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).

* Never: Do not leave cooked chicken out for more than 2 hours, even if it's covered.

Important Note: If you are in doubt about the safety of your baked chicken, it is always best to throw it away.