Chicken Question: I accidentally left defrosted chicken on the kitchen counter last night...?

Any raw or defrosting poultry left at room temp for more than an hour is unsafe to prepare.

The following is just one of 1000's of articles available that inform people about food safety. Please read.

http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/chickenturkeymore...

During distribution to retail stores, fresh chicken is kept cold in order to extend its shelf life as well as to prevent bacteria growth. Packages of chicken should feel cold to the touch, and should be among the last items you select before checking out.

Packages of chicken should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent leakage onto other items in your grocery cart.

Once you're home, you should immediately place your chicken in a refrigerator that maintains a temperature of 40°F or colder, and use it within 2 days. Otherwise, it should be frozen at 0°F.

NEVER defrost chicken on the counter or the microwave! It's not uncommon to see various sources suggesting that it's acceptable to thaw frozen meat or poultry in the microwave. It's not. Ever. Not under any circumstances!

The correct way to thaw frozen poultry requires planning ahead for the time required to thaw it in the refrigerator. Whole chickens may take up to 2 days to fully thaw in this way, while boneless breasts should thaw overnight. Once the product thaws, it should be kept in the refrigerator no more than a day before cooking it.

Just like meat, fish or any animal-based food product, raw or undercooked chicken carry certain bacteria. These bacteria create toxins that heat will not kill and can cause illness in large numbers.

Therefore, to avoid illness we need to limit bacteria's ability to multiply, or kill them altogether. Limiting their ability to multiply requires making sure that food products are not left at room temperatures — or specifically, temperatures between 40°F and 140°F — for more than an hour.

EDIT: Thumbs down for the truth? Obviously 2 people have no problem remaining ignorant about safe food handling and preparation and are compelled to spread dangerous information. This site is here to offer advice to those seeking information, not some place to offer up ignorant and potentially dangerous information about something as important as food safety. I suggest the 2 people that disagree do a bit of research before you offer anyone any more advice in this food section, you 2 are gonna make someone very sick some day if you haven't already.

If it was thawing on the counter since last night, then yes, it's OK to use. It must be refrigerated right away and it must be cooked thoroughly tonight.

If you bought it from the store already thawed and forgot to refrigerate it, then no, it's not safe to use.

Never take chances with poultry. I'd toss it in the bin to be on the safe side.

Throw it away..

if its still cool and doesnt smell bad, its probly ok