Throw chicken out?

Question

My husband cut up a chicken breast before he went to work this morning and then left it out on the worktop. It has been out for about 3 hours. If I cook it will it be safe to eat or should I throw it out? Thanks!

Raw chicken. House is quite cool since the heater stopped working last night. Obviously not as cold as the fridge though.

Answer 1

After 4 hours in the danger zone (42-140) is when the most danerous amountof bacteria are present, The double every few minutes. Cook it till it reaches 160 degrees internal temp, and it should be ok, 160 is the heat that kills the bacteria.

Answer 2

If it is fully cooked, I wouldn't worry. I know the majority of people will answer like "oh, it's chicken, run for the hills!"
Me? Even if it's raw I would probably just stick it in the fridge, unless your house is particularly warm, etc.... was it left uncovered?

Answer 3

raw or cooked? ---> Raw
How warm is it in your house? ---> Cool
Marinaded or not?

You should just cook it fully right now to put your mind at ease.
Just avoid any cross-contaimination - meaning don't put the cooked the chicken back onto surfaces that had raw chicken on it.

Or... just put it back in the fridge... as I would do.

I've never been sick from chicken... undercooked hamburgers... well that's another story.... lol

Answer 4

If it still feels cool, and does not have a really bad smell....then you could use it. If the smell is strong then don't use it. It is probably ok to use......3 hours is not that long for meat to spoil unless in sun.

Answer 5

I would discard of it,because the recommended time for a frozen meat is 2 hrs and you're chicken is not frozen.

Answer 6

If it is still chilly to the touch then I'd use it.......I think you should cook it right away. If it feels warmish, or was NOT left in a container, then no. It's not worth getting sick. Make him take you out to dinner :)

Answer 7

My rule is "when in doubt, throw it out"