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Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
What’s a Clean Way to Prepare Raw Chicken
There are several ways depending on your recipe, but generally when you get your chicken home from the grocery store, here’s what to do:
“Significantly decrease your risk by preparing foods that will not be cooked, such as vegetables and salads, BEFORE handling and preparing raw meat and poultry,” says the USDA Food Safety Education Staff.
Remove your chicken from its package, and discard it carefully in the trash. Move your chicken to a clean cutting board and pat dry with paper towels. I would recommend using a cutting board specifically for meat—that way you are not cutting vegetables on the same surface as raw chicken.
Then, prepare your chicken as the recipe states, with a marinade or seasonings. If you are storing chicken to marinate overnight, store in a zip-top bag or air-tight container away from ready-to-eat foods.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Are There Any Exceptions?
Like any rule, there are a few.
“It’s worth noting that in certain cultures, the practice of washing meat is a ritual that has been passed down through generations,” says Associate Editor Annie Campbell. “Washing meat can also be a part of the overall recipe preparation in certain cuisines. These methods usually involve a salt or vinegar soak that contributes to the flavor, and the wash acts more like a marinade than just a quick rinse.”
For most people picking up their pre-packaged chicken from the grocery store, that meat can go unwashed.
More Chicken Inspiration
Chicken can be a tough meat to get right. Ask any chef, and they will tell you how hard it can be to cook chicken correctly. However, we have plenty of tips and best practices to help you out:
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