Can you consume chicken that was left out overnight?

It is not recommended to consume chicken that has been left out overnight as it can pose serious health risks. When chicken is left out at room temperature, bacteria can grow rapidly and produce toxins that cause foodborne illnesses such as salmonella or campylobacter. These toxins can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, and can even be life-threatening in some cases.

It is important to note that even if the chicken looks and smells okay, it may still be unsafe to eat. Therefore, it is best to discard any chicken that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours or has been in temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours. If the chicken has been left out for a shorter period, it may still be safe to eat if it has been properly stored before and after.