How long can you leave chicken and dumplings at room temperature?

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, especially in foods like chicken and dumplings that are high in protein and moisture.

* Foodborne illness: Consuming food left at room temperature for too long can lead to foodborne illness, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It's always best to:

* Refrigerate chicken and dumplings within two hours of cooking.

* Serve it hot and enjoy it promptly.

If you're concerned about food safety, you can always err on the side of caution and refrigerate sooner rather than later.