How Long Can You Leave Chicken Out To Thaw Before It Goes Bad. Your best best is to thaw and use in 72 hrs. That said, once that meat goes through the chain (to a retailer, to the customer), you're losing days.

Chicken should not set out for more than 2 hours. That said, once that meat goes through the chain (to a retailer, to the customer), you're losing days. No matter what the food is—or how long it’s been out of the freezer—it’s best to go with your gut.