Raw chicken is a popular ingredient in various dishes worldwide. However, it’s essential to handle it with care to prevent foodborne illnesses. One of the most common questions asked by people who handle raw chicken is: how long can chicken sit out raw without making you sick? In this article, we’ll explore the answer in detail and also discuss some of the best practices to handle raw chicken.
The Danger of Eating Raw Chicken
Raw chicken can be a host of harmful bacteria that can cause diseases. The most popular of these bacteria are Salmonella and Campylobacter. These two bacteria are responsible for around 70% of all chicken-related diseases. Symptoms of these illnesses include fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. The severity of the symptoms depends on various factors, including age, health status, and the amount of bacteria consumed.
Factors That Affect the Growth of Bacteria
Now that we know the dangers of eating raw chicken let’s explore some of the factors that affect the growth of bacteria in raw chicken. These include:
- Temperature: Bacteria tend to grow faster in temperatures between 40°F-140°F. This temperature range is known as the danger zone.
- Time: The longer raw chicken is left at room temperature, the more the bacteria multiply.
- Moisture: Bacteria thrive in moist environments.
- pH: The pH levels in raw chicken can affect the growth of bacteria. For instance, acidic environments tend to prevent bacterial growth.
- Cross-contamination: Cross-contamination from other surfaces, hands, or utensils can introduce bacteria to raw chicken, increasing the risk of bacterial infection.
How Long Can Raw Chicken Sit Out Before it Goes Bad?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that raw chicken should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. This time limit includes the preparation and cooking time, which means that the total time that raw chicken can be left out before cooking is one hour.
If the room temperature is above 90°F, the USDA recommends that raw chicken should not be left out for more than one hour. This time limit also includes preparation and cooking time. Beyond these time frames, the risk of bacterial infection significantly increases, and the chicken may no longer be safe for consumption.
What to Do If You Leave Raw Chicken Out for Too Long
If you leave raw chicken out for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F), there is a high probability that the chicken has gone bad. If this happens, you should not consume the chicken, as it can cause severe food poisoning. Properly dispose of the chicken and clean the area with soap and water.
Best Practices to Handle Raw Chicken
To prevent the risk of bacterial infection from raw chicken, it’s essential to follow some best practices. These include the following:
1. Store Chicken at the Right Temperature
Ensure that your raw chicken is stored at the correct temperature. Raw chicken should be stored at a temperature below 40°F or frozen at 0°F. Keep the chicken in the coldest part of your fridge (usually the back area) and cook or freeze it within two days of purchase.
2. Separate Raw Chicken from Other Foods
Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of your fridge to prevent it from dripping onto other foods. You can also store the chicken in a sealed container to create a barrier between it and other foods. When preparing the chicken, use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates to prevent cross-contamination. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling the chicken.
3. Cook Chicken Thoroughly
Chicken needs to be cooked at a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Ensure that you use a food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the chicken before consumption. If you’re grilling or broiling, use a separate plate to hold the cooked chicken to prevent it from coming into contact with the raw chicken juices.
4. Refrigerate Cooked Chicken Properly
Cooked chicken should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of cooking. You can divide the chicken into smaller portions and store them in airtight containers. This helps the chicken cool down faster, preventing bacterial growth. When reheating the cooked chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
The Bottom Line
Raw chicken can be a source of harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The best way to prevent a bacterial infection is to handle raw chicken with care. The USDA recommends that raw chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F). Cook chicken to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F, and properly store it to prevent cross-contamination. When in doubt, use the “If in doubt, throw it out” motto, and dispose of chicken that has been left at room temperature for too long.
Common Questions and Answers on Raw Chicken Sitting Out
- Can you cook chicken that has been left out overnight?
- Is it safe to eat chicken that has been left out for four hours?
- Can you put warm chicken in the fridge?
- Can you put cooked chicken back in the fridge?
- How long can cooked chicken be left out of the fridge?
No. Raw chicken that has been left out for more than two hours at room temperature should never be consumed.
No. Raw chicken that has been left out for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F) should not be consumed.
It’s best to refrigerate cooked chicken after it has cooled down to room temperature. Placing hot chicken in the fridge can raise the temperature inside the fridge, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
Yes, you can. After cooking chicken, you should refrigerate it within two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Cooked chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, the time limit reduces to one hour.
References
- https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperature
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/shared/PDF/Check_Temp_Restaurants.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/features/salmonellachicken/index.html