How long will cooked chicken keep in an ice chest?

Cooked chicken will stay safe to eat in an ice chest for up to 4 hours, as long as the internal temperature stays below 40°F (4°C).

Here's a breakdown:

* Ideal: Aim to keep the chicken at 40°F (4°C) or below for the full 4 hours. This means using an ice chest with sufficient ice or ice packs.

* Danger Zone: Cooked chicken should not stay in the "danger zone" between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C) for more than two hours. This is the temperature range where bacteria multiply rapidly.

Here are some tips for keeping cooked chicken safe in an ice chest:

* Use a cooler with good insulation.

* Pack the chicken tightly with ice or ice packs.

* Place the chicken in a leak-proof container.

* Don't overpack the cooler.

* Monitor the temperature of the chicken.

Important Note: After 4 hours, it's best to discard the chicken, even if it still seems safe to eat.