For many years, washing chicken before cooking has been a common practice in many households. Some people believe that washing chicken removes bacteria and germs, making it safer to eat. However, this practice could actually make things worse.

In this article, we’ll explain why washing your chicken is a bad idea and what you can do instead to ensure your chicken is safe to eat.

What are the risks of washing chicken?

When you wash chicken, the water can splash bacteria and germs around your kitchen, contaminating surfaces and utensils. This could lead to cross-contamination, which can cause food poisoning.

In fact, research has shown that washing chicken can actually increase your risk of food poisoning.

Furthermore, if you cook chicken to the right temperature, any harmful bacteria will be killed, making it safe to eat.

However, if you wash chicken, you could actually spread bacteria onto other surfaces in your kitchen, increasing the risk of contamination and making it harder to kill the bacteria during cooking.

How can you ensure your chicken is safe to eat without washing it?

One of the best ways to ensure your chicken is safe to eat is to cook it to the right temperature. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

You can also reduce your risk of cross-contamination by using a separate cutting board for your chicken and other meats, and by washing your hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after handling chicken.

Alternatives to washing chicken

If you’re concerned about bacteria on your chicken, there are safer alternatives to washing it.

• Purchase high-quality, fresh chicken from a reputable source. This can reduce the risk of contamination and make it less likely that you’ll need to wash your chicken before cooking.

• If you’re marinating your chicken, make sure you do it in the refrigerator. This can slow down the growth of bacteria and reduce the risk of contamination.

• Use a food thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to the right temperature.

The bottom line

Washing your chicken before cooking is a bad idea that can increase your risk of food poisoning. Instead, focus on cooking your chicken to the right temperature and taking measures to prevent cross-contamination.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your chicken is safe to eat.