In this brief article, we will answer the question, “How long can fried chicken sit out?” and provide information on symptoms of food poisoning, signs of spoilage in fried chicken, how to store them in the fridge, and their shelf-life.
How long can fried chicken sit out?
Fried chicken can sit out for 1-2 hours. If the temperature of the environment is between 90-140 degrees Fahrenheit, the chicken can be kept for only an hour. If the temperatures are between 40-89 degrees Fahrenheit, the chicken can last for 2 hours.
This is because bacterial growth occurs between a temperature of 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Bacteria start multiplying quickly and it will be impossible to consume the chicken after 2 hours.
However, there are times when people leave the chicken overnight at room temperature, eat them, and still do not get sick. This is because there were no harmful bacteria in the environment and they just turned out to be lucky.
Some potentially pathogenic bacteria that can grow in the chicken when it is left out are E-coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella. This can result in food poisoning.
What are some symptoms of food poisoning?
Common symptoms associated with food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and abdominal cramps. High fever can also be a common symptom.
Severe food poisoning can result in diarrhea, loss of consciousness, and dehydration. Mild food poisoning symptoms do not last long. However, severe symptoms would require a trip to the hospital.
What are some of the signs of spoilage in fried chicken?
Some of the signs of spoilage in the fried chicken are as follows:
- Sometimes, there can be mild physical changes observed. For instance, there can be a change in the texture of the chicken. The chicken would no longer remain crispy. The chicken would not absorb moisture.
- There can be a slimy coating formed on top of chicken pieces. As a result, it would be better to discard them.
- Check for any change in color on the chicken. The slight discoloration is not a problem. However, if you observe a lot of dark spots or light spots on the chicken, it is better to discard them.
- The formation of mold on the chicken can be another way to determine whether it is spoilt. Wiping the mold and eating the meat is not recommended. Do not cut off the portion occupied by mold and eat the rest. Instead, discard the meat completely.
- You can also smell the chicken. There might only be a slight change in the chicken’s odor. If there is a slightly acidic or tart-like odor, it is a sign that the meat has started to decay. Even if the meat appears good, it is better to discard them if it emits a foul odor.
- If there is no odor or physical changes, you can taste the meat. If the meat has a sour taste, it is likely to be spoilt and needs to be discarded. Do not swallow the chicken piece. Instead, spit them.
How long can fried chicken remain fresh?
Fried chicken can remain fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge. Due to the moisture present in the fridge, the chicken might get a bit soft. This does not mean that the chicken is spoilt. Instead, the chicken needs to be reheated so that it regains its crispness.
Even though fried chicken can remain for 4-5 days in the fridge, it is still recommended to consume them within 1-2 days for the best flavor.
If the chicken was about to expire, make sure to consume them within a day as you might need to throw them away after a day.
How to store fried chicken inside the fridge?
After you have fried the chicken, allow them to cool for 30 minutes. You can then place a kitchen towel inside the fridge. Keep the chicken above the kitchen towel. This would prevent the juices from dripping onto other foods.
You can also place fried chicken pieces in an airtight container. Glass containers are perfect for storage purposes. This is because plastic containers are likely to develop bacteria easily. If you do not have a container with you, use a resealable plastic bag to store the chicken.
Make sure to keep fruits, veggies, dairy, and other food items away from the chicken. The temperature of the fridge should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the meat to remain fresh.
Can you reheat fried chicken?
Yes, you can reheat the fried chicken by frying them for a short time in oil. You can also use an air fryer or oven.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “How long can fried chicken sit out?” and provided information on symptoms of food poisoning, signs of spoilage in fried chicken, how to store them in the fridge, and their shelf-life.
