Experts Advise Against This Unsafe Chicken Prep Step

Should you rinse raw chicken before cooking? It’s a long-standing question, but the answer is clear and crucial to understand.

Chicken is one of the riskiest foods when it comes to bacteria, and preparing it near other ingredients can easily cause cross-contamination. While most people understand the need for careful handling, the persistent myth of washing raw chicken continues to circulate.

Many people continue to wash chicken because it’s a tradition they learned from family members, or because a recipe instructs them to do so. My own family did this for years. However, this seemingly innocent step may actually be more harmful than beneficial.

What Do Experts Recommend?

Experts Agree: Washing Chicken is a No-Go

"While food safety can never be fully guaranteed, mass production and distribution make any food, even vegetables, somewhat risky to eat undercooked," says Mark Bittman in *How To Cook Everything*. "But chicken is especially problematic, with over 10% of bird samples testing positive for salmonella. However, cooking chicken thoroughly kills this bacteria."

There’s no need to wash your chicken. Any bacteria present will be destroyed once the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C). And, since bacteria can spread easily, it's safer to keep your raw chicken away from the sink.

"Raw chicken is ready to cook, no washing needed," states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Salmonella is responsible for more foodborne illnesses than any other bacteria, and chicken is one of its primary sources. In fact, roughly 1 in 25 chicken packages at the store carry Salmonella."

Why Washing Raw Chicken is a Bad Idea

1. In short, washing chicken just spreads bacteria. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, "even if you think you’ve cleaned up after washing poultry, studies show that bacteria can easily transfer to other surfaces and foods. The safest approach is not to wash poultry at all."
2. Other foods you're cooking with may become contaminated. We all know the importance of washing our hands after handling raw chicken, but bacteria can spread in other ways too. Washing chicken can cause splashes that land on your arms or apron, and even after washing your hands thoroughly, bacteria can still transfer to other foods.

How to Properly Handle Raw Chicken

There are several methods depending on your recipe, but here's the general guideline for handling chicken when you bring it home from the store:

1. “You can significantly reduce your risk by preparing foods that won’t be cooked, such as vegetables and salads, before handling raw meat or poultry,” advises the USDA Food Safety Education Staff.
2. Take your chicken out of its packaging and dispose of it carefully. Place the chicken on a clean cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels. It’s best to use a separate cutting board for raw meat so that you don’t contaminate surfaces used for vegetables or other foods.
3. Next, follow your recipe to season or marinate the chicken. If you plan to marinate it overnight, store it in a zip-top bag or airtight container, away from foods that are ready to eat.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Like any guideline, there are a few exceptions.

"In some cultures, washing meat is a longstanding tradition passed down through generations," says Associate Editor Annie Campbell. "This practice can also be part of recipe preparation in certain cuisines, often involving a salt or vinegar soak, which serves more as a marinade than a simple rinse."

For most people who buy pre-packaged chicken from the store, washing it isn’t necessary.

More Delicious Chicken Ideas

Chicken can be tricky to cook just right. Ask any chef, and they’ll tell you how challenging it can be to perfect. But don’t worry—we’ve got plenty of tips and expert advice to guide you.

• How to Cook Chicken Thighs
• How to Cook Frozen Chicken
• 10 Mistakes You're Making With Raw Chicken
• The 6 Most-Googled Questions On Cooking With Chicken, Answered