What To Know
- Place the orange chicken in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Orange chicken can be reheated in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
- Some food safety tips to keep in mind when handling orange chicken include washing your hands, using clean utensils, thawing frozen orange chicken in the refrigerator, and discarding spoiled orange chicken.
Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is often enjoyed as takeout or delivery. However, if you have leftovers, it is important to know how long you can safely keep them at room temperature. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to food safety and answer the question: “How long can orange chicken sit out?”
Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Orange Chicken
Several factors can affect the shelf life of orange chicken, including:
- Temperature: Orange chicken should be kept at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Storage container: Orange chicken should be stored in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
- Time: The longer orange chicken sits out, the more likely it is to spoil.
How Long Can Orange Chicken Sit Out?
According to the USDA, cooked chicken can be safely kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. However, this applies to plain chicken. Orange chicken contains additional ingredients, such as sauce and breading, which can spoil more quickly.
Therefore, it is best to err on the side of caution and refrigerate orange chicken within 1 hour of cooking. If the orange chicken has been sitting out for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded.
Signs of Spoiled Orange Chicken
Some signs that orange chicken has gone bad include:
- Smell: Spoiled orange chicken will have a sour or off smell.
- Taste: Spoiled orange chicken will taste sour or bitter.
- Texture: Spoiled orange chicken may be slimy or mushy.
- Mold: If you see any mold on the orange chicken, it should be discarded immediately.
How to Store Orange Chicken
To safely store orange chicken, follow these steps:
- Cool the orange chicken: Allow the orange chicken to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Place in an airtight container: Transfer the orange chicken to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the orange chicken for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat Orange Chicken
To reheat orange chicken, follow these steps:
- Microwave: Place the orange chicken in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat the orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the orange chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Food Safety Tips
Here are some additional food safety tips to keep in mind when handling orange chicken:
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands before and after handling food.
- Use clean utensils: Use clean utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
- Thaw frozen orange chicken in the refrigerator: Never thaw frozen orange chicken at room temperature.
- Discard spoiled orange chicken: If you are unsure whether orange chicken is safe to eat, it is best to discard it.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I eat orange chicken that has been sitting out for 3 hours?
A: No, it is not safe to eat orange chicken that has been sitting out for more than 2 hours.
Q: How can I tell if orange chicken has gone bad?
A: Some signs that orange chicken has gone bad include a sour smell, sour or bitter taste, slimy or mushy texture, and mold.
Q: How long can I store orange chicken in the refrigerator?
A: Orange chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: How do I reheat orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken can be reheated in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
Q: What are some food safety tips to keep in mind when handling orange chicken?
A: Some food safety tips to keep in mind when handling orange chicken include washing your hands, using clean utensils, thawing frozen orange chicken in the refrigerator, and discarding spoiled orange chicken.
