Leaving cooked chicken out at room temperature for an extended period, such as overnight, is not recommended and can pose a food safety risk. Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature, leading to potential foodborne illnesses if the chicken is consumed.
The "Danger Zone" for food safety is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). At these temperatures, bacteria can grow quickly. Leaving cooked chicken out at room temperature allows it to remain within this danger zone for an extended period, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
As a general rule, perishable foods like cooked chicken should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. In warm weather (above 90°F or 32°C), this time reduces to one hour.
Given that the chicken was left out overnight, it is no longer safe to eat. Even refrigerating it afterward may not be sufficient to make it safe because the bacteria might have already grown to unsafe levels during the time it was left out.
To avoid the risk of foodborne illness, it's best to discard the chicken and remember to refrigerate cooked food promptly in the future. When in doubt about the safety of a food item, it's always better to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming it.