Exposed to temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time exposes them to excessive bacterial growth that leads to foodborne illness. At temperatures of 40 F and higher, cooked chicken wings only remain edible for up to 2 hours before bacteria levels become dangerous. Out on a serving tray in the summer sun, with temperatures topping 90 F and above, the cooked chicken wings only remain edible for an hour.

Refrigerated within two hours in temperatures of 40 degrees F and above and within an hour at temperatures of 90 degrees F and above, cooked chicken wings keep for up to four days. Although refrigeration does not kill any bacteria growing on the cooked chicken wings, it does slow bacterial growth over the four day period, keeping it safe to eat. After four days, bacterial growth increases and the chicken wings need to be discarded.

Freezing cooked chicken wings keeps them safe to eat for an indefinite amount of time. Like refrigeration, freezing does not kill bacteria. However, the temperatures of zero F and below inside the freezer, do stunt bacterial growth, preventing any bacteria on the meat from multiplying. Once frozen, the cooked chicken wings keep for up to six months before deterioration sets in. Although this deterioration is not dangerous, it tends to affect taste and texture.

Never thaw frozen, previously-cooked chicken wings out on the counter. The safest place to thaw is in the refrigerator -- transferring the chicken from freezer to refrigerator the night before you plan to eat it. Thawing in the microwave is a quicker method, but requires you to continue heating until the internal temperature of the wings reach 165 F, eliminating the risk of foodborne illness. Insert a meat thermometer into the chicken to test the internal temperature.