If you’ve ever wondered if it’s safe to leave fried chicken out overnight, wonder no more! The answer is yes, you can safely leave fried chicken out for up to four hours. Beyond that, however, the quality of the chicken will start to decline.
So if you’re looking for the best possible eating experience, make sure to eat your fried chicken within four hours of cooking.
- Take your fried chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit
- Place your chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and put it in the oven
- Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the heat off and leave the chicken in the oven until it’s cooled completely (about an hour)
- Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Fried Chicken Left Out for 12 Hours
Fried chicken is one of America’s favorite comfort foods. But what happens if you accidentally leave it out for 12 hours? Is it still safe to eat?
The short answer is no, you should not eat fried chicken that has been left out for 12 hours. Fried chicken is typically cooked at a high temperature, around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature kills any harmful bacteria that may be present in the chicken.
However, when fried chicken is left out at room temperature, that bacteria can start to grow again. And sincefried chicken is usually coated in a flour-based batter, there’s a risk of food poisoning if the bacteria isn’t killed before you eat it.
So, if you accidentally leave your fried chicken out for 12 hours, it’s best to throw it away and start over.
It may not be the most convenient option, but it’s the safest way to ensure that you and your family don’t get sick.

Credit: onthegas.org
Can You Leave Fried Chicken Out Overnight
No, you should not leave fried chicken out overnight. Fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight out of the fryer. If you must store it, use an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days.
What are the Consequences of Leaving Fried Chicken Out Overnight
If you’re like most people, you probably grew up being told that it’s not safe to leave food out overnight. And while that’s true for some foods, it turns out that others are actually perfectly fine to eat the next day. Fried chicken is one of those foods.
Sure, no one wants to eat cold fried chicken, but if you reheat it properly, there’s no need to worry about food poisoning or other health risks. In fact, according to the USDA, fried chicken can be safely refrigerated for up to four days.
So if you find yourself with leftover fried chicken, go ahead and enjoy it the next day (or even two days later).
Just make sure to reheat it until it’s piping hot before digging in.
How Long Can You Safely Leave Fried Chicken Out at Room Temperature
Fried chicken is a popular dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold. When reheating fried chicken, it is important to ensure that it is heated through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria that may be present. However, when enjoying fried chicken at room temperature, there are some safety concerns to keep in mind.
Generally, cooked food should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This time frame decreases to one hour if the ambient temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are unsure of how long your fried chicken has been sitting out, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
There are some steps you can take to help extend the amount of time you can safely leave your fried chicken out. For example, keeping the chicken in a cooler or covered with a napkin will help slow down the rate at which it cools down. Additionally, only removing as much meat from the bone as you plan on eating will also help keep the remaining pieces fresher for longer.
At the end of the day, fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the fryer. If you do find yourself with leftoverfried chicken, make sure to follow these safety guidelines to enjoy it without any issues!
How Long Can You Leave Food Out?
Conclusion
If you’re wondering if it’s safe to leave fried chicken out overnight, the answer is no. Chicken should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria from growing. So, if you don’t plan on eating your fried chicken right away, be sure to keep it in the fridge.