Is cooked chicken left in microwave overnight okay to eat?

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: The "danger zone" for bacteria growth is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C). Leaving cooked chicken in the microwave overnight allows it to reach this temperature range, promoting rapid bacterial multiplication.

* Food poisoning risk: Consuming food contaminated with bacteria can lead to food poisoning, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

* Spoilage: Chicken left out at room temperature for an extended period will start to spoil, becoming unsafe to eat.

It's important to follow food safety guidelines:

* Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours of cooking.

* Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

* Reheat cooked chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating.

If you're unsure about the safety of cooked chicken, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard it.