How long can partially cooked chicken be held before it must be discarded?

Partially cooked chicken must be handled with caution to prevent foodborne illness, and the time it can be held before it must be discarded is crucial for food safety. When chicken is partially cooked, it may not have reached temperatures that effectively kill harmful bacteria, allowing them to survive and potentially multiply if not handled properly.

The correct timeframe for holding partially cooked chicken before it must be discarded is 10 minutes. This limit is in line with food safety protocols, which dictate that any food that has not reached a safe cooking temperature should not be held for extended periods. Holding it for more than the specified time increases the likelihood of bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illnesses if the chicken is later finished cooking and consumed. Thus, adhering to this critical time frame is essential for maintaining food safety standards in any kitchen setting.