In this quick article, we’ll look at the shelf life of rotisserie chicken at room temperature to answer the question “how long can a rotisserie chicken sit out.” We’ll also go over the shelf life of rotisserie chicken in the refrigerator and freezer, as well as numerous ways to recognize spoiled chicken.
So, without further ado, let’s get started and learn more about it.
What is the maximum amount of time a rotisserie chicken can be left out?
When maintained at room temperature, rotisserie chicken lasts around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs more quickly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, rotisserie chicken left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the ambient temperature is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and rotisserie chicken that has been left out in the open for more than an hour at 90 degrees Fahrenheit should be discarded.
Rotisserie chicken has a long shelf life in the refrigerator.
According to USDA guidelines, rotisserie chicken can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, because chicken is a perishable item, caution should be exercised when handling, storing, and cooking it.
Rotisserie chicken has a long shelf life in the freezer.
Rotisserie chicken can be frozen for up to 4 months if wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag.
As a result, putting the rotisserie chicken in the freezer will extend its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the rotisserie chicken.
When frozen rotisserie chicken is thawed in the refrigerator, it can last 3-4 days before being reheated and consumed.
If you thaw your rotisserie chicken in a bowl of cold water or in the microwave, it’s best to eat it right away after heating it until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s worth noting that the values above represent the rotisserie chicken’s expected shelf life.
The nutritional profile of the chicken can be seen here.
Storage ideas for rotisserie chicken
Rotisserie chicken should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is accelerated between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your rotisserie chicken at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
Breaking down your rotisserie chicken into smaller pieces (breast, thigh, leg piece, etc.) and storing it in a shallow air-tight container on the shelf of your fridge is recommended.
Because the temperature fluctuates a lot near the fridge door, it’s best to store rotisserie chicken on one of the refrigerator shelves rather on the door.
Wrap the rotisserie chicken in heavy-duty aluminum foil or a plastic freezer bag and store it in the freezer to extend its shelf life even further.
Identifying rotten chicken in a variety of ways
There are a few symptoms that rotten chicken is present. To determine whether or not the chicken has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you notice mold or other organic growth on your rotisserie chicken, it’s likely that it’s gone bad, and the best thing you can do in this situation is discard it.
Color
If you find that your chicken has changed colors (greenish-grey or brown), it is likely that it has gone bad and should be discarded.
A change in the color of the chicken can be caused by a variety of causes, including light, oxidation processes, temperature, and bacterial contamination.
Texture
If you feel sticky or gooey while touching the chicken, it is likely that it has gone bad and should be discarded.
However, keep in mind that cleaning the chicken will not help you in this situation because the bacteria will not be removed. Rinsing the bacteria-infested chicken puts you at danger of cross-contamination since the germs will spread through the utensils and other food items that come into touch with the water from the spoiled chicken.
It’s worth noting that after handling the bacterium-laden chicken, you should wash your hands well to prevent the bacteria from spreading to anything else that comes into contact with your hands.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your chicken, it’s time to throw it out.
If microorganisms have inadvertently gotten into your chicken and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it away.
Conclusion
We examined the shelf life of rotisserie chicken at room temperature in this quick guide to address the question “how long can a rotisserie chicken sit out.” We also talked about how long rotisserie chicken lasts in the fridge and freezer, as well as how to recognize rotten chicken.
