How Long Can You Leave Fried Chicken Out?

Last Updated on October 4, 2022 by Lauren Beck

You’ve cooked up a big batch of fried chicken and there’s still some left over. Can you save it for later? How long can you leave fried chicken out before it goes bad?

Fried chicken is best fresh out of the fryer, but it can still be tasty if it’s been properly stored. If you’re not going to eat it right away, put the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will be safe to eat for up to four days.

If you need to keep the chicken longer than that, it’s best to freeze it. Fried chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to eat it, just reheat it in the oven or in the fryer.

Table of Contents

Does fried chicken need to be refrigerated?

You might have heard that fried chicken doesn’t need to be refrigerated because the high fat content acts as a preservative. This is a myth. Chicken, whether it’s fried or not, will spoil if it’s left out at room temperature for more than two hours. So be sure to refrigerate your fried chicken as soon as it’s cooled down enough to be stored.

How long can fried chicken sit out at a picnic?

Fried chicken can sit out at a picnic for up to two hours if it is properly covered. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the chicken should not be left out for more than one hour.

Can fried chicken be left out overnight?

Fried chicken should not be left out overnight. If the chicken is not properly refrigerated, it can cause food poisoning.

How can you tell if fried chicken is bad?

Here are some signs that your fried chicken has gone bad:

The chicken is discolored or has changed color
The chicken smells bad
The chicken has a slimy texture

If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw the chicken away.

How do you keep fried chicken fresh?

woman standing in front of refrigerator eating fried chicken

The best way to keep fried chicken fresh is to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Fried chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.

When reheating fried chicken, make sure it is heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will kill any bacteria that may have developed.

What happens when you eat a bad fried chicken?

If you eat a bad fried chicken, you may experience food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, food poisoning can lead to death. If you think you have food poisoning, it’s best to see a doctor right away.

How do you thaw fried chicken?

Here’s how to thaw your fried chicken:

Place the chicken in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
Or, place the chicken in a sealable bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is thawed.
Once the chicken is thawed, cook it within two days.

What should you do if you get food poisoning?

If you think you have food poisoning, it’s best to see a doctor right away. Food poisoning can be very serious and even deadly. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Does barbecue sauce or a marinade help preserve the chicken?

No, barbecue sauce or marinade does not help preserve the chicken. In fact, it can actually make the chicken more likely to spoil. The sauce or marinade can create an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth.

How do you reheat Fried Chicken that has been defrosted?

If you have defrosted your fried chicken, you will need to reheat it before eating. The best way to reheat fried chicken is to place it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. You can also reheat the chicken in a microwave-safe dish for about 2 minutes on high.

When reheating fried chicken, it is important to make sure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will kill any bacteria that may have developed. If you are unsure of the chicken’s internal temperature, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.

How to store cooked chicken?

Here’s the step-by-step process [1]:

Let the chicken cool. This is an important step for food safety. You don’t want to put hot chicken into the fridge because it can raise the temperature of the fridge, potentially leading to bacterial growth.
Place the chicken in a clean, airtight container.
Label and date the container.
Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-6 months.

When it comes to how long cooked chicken will last in the fridge, most health organizations recommend keeping it for no more than four days. This is because after four days, bacteria can start to grow and multiply, making the chicken unsafe to eat.

Conclusion

So how long can you leave fried chicken out? The answer is not very long. Once cooked, fried chicken should be kept in a clean, airtight container and refrigerated or frozen as soon as possible. When stored properly, cooked chicken will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-6 months.

However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and eat the chicken as soon as possible.

Reference:

https://www.ehow.com/how_8783948_store-cooked-chicken-refrigerator.html

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Lauren Beck

Lauren Beck is a Food Science & Technology graduate, born and raised in NYC, but lived in Japan for more than eight years. Her love forAmerican food and Japanese culture led her to create Kitsune Restaurant. She loves taking walks with her dog - an American Akita she aptly named Hachiko. Learn more about us here or you can email us contact@kitsunerestaurant.com.