How Long Can Grilled Chicken Stay Out in the Summer Sun?

From the minute the chicken is served, the food-safety
countdown begins. "You can leave grilled chicken at
room temperature for about 2 hours," says Tina Hanes,
RD, RN, a USDA food-safety expert. But when temperatures
climb to 90F or higher, don't leave it out for more than an
hour- if you leave it out at all. Bacteria that flourish at those
temperatures can cause serious food poisoning. "Instead,
store leftovers in a cooler, in the fridge, or covered in an
air-conditioned kitchen," Hanes says. A cold second helping
certainly beats a trip to the ER.

-Prevention Magazine, August 2012