Is it safe to eat leftover chicken? What you need to understand:
It’s occured to us all: craving a late-night snack only to seek leftover chicken or beef from dinner. But before you begin, it’s worth asking yourself: Is it safe?
Understanding the “Danger Zone”:
The “danger zone” refers to the temperature range between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
In this range, bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus can multiply very rapidly, doubling their numbers every ~20 minutes under good conditions.
Therefore, when cooked meat remains in this area for too long, it becomes increasingly risky.