Chicken pot pie left out: how to know when it’s too late to eat

Chicken pot pie is a comforting dish that can warm you up on a cold day. But what happens if you accidentally leave it out on the counter? How long can chicken pot pie sit out before it becomes unsafe to eat?

The Danger Zone

The “danger zone” is the temperature range between 40°F and 140°F. In this range, bacteria can grow rapidly and multiply. Chicken pot pie is a particularly susceptible dish because it contains meat, vegetables, and gravy.

How Long Can Chicken Pot Pie Sit Out?

According to the USDA, chicken pot pie can only sit out at room temperature for 2 hours. After that, it should be discarded.

What Happens if You Eat Chicken Pot Pie That Has Been Left Out?

Eating chicken pot pie that has been left out for too long can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue

How to Avoid Food Poisoning from Chicken Pot Pie

To avoid food poisoning, it is important to follow these tips:

• Store chicken pot pie in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
• Do not leave chicken pot pie out on the counter for more than 2 hours.
• If you are unsure whether chicken pot pie is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the temperature, there are other factors that can affect how long chicken pot pie can sit out. These factors include:

• The type of chicken pot pie. Homemade chicken pot pie is more likely to spoil quickly than store-bought chicken pot pie.
• The ingredients in the chicken pot pie. Chicken pot pie that contains cooked vegetables is more likely to spoil quickly than chicken pot pie that contains only meat and gravy.
• The size of the chicken pot pie. A large chicken pot pie will take longer to cool down than a small chicken pot pie.

When in Doubt, Throw It Out

If you are ever in doubt about whether chicken pot pie is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Food poisoning is a serious illness that can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even death.

Wrap-Up: Time and Temperature Tango

Remember, chicken pot pie is a perishable food that can only sit out at room temperature for 2 hours. After that, it should be discarded to avoid food poisoning. When in doubt, always throw it out!

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I reheat chicken pot pie that has been left out?

A: No. Reheating chicken pot pie that has been left out will not make it safe to eat.

Q: How long can chicken pot pie last in the refrigerator?

A: Chicken pot pie can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Q: How long can chicken pot pie last in the freezer?

A: Chicken pot pie can last in the freezer for 2-3 months.