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Experts Warn: Skip This Dangerous Step When Preparing Raw Chicken

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Introduction:

When it comes to preparing chicken at home, food safety is a top priority. Many people have grown accustomed to certain kitchen practices, but experts are now advising against a seemingly harmless step that could pose serious health risks. The traditional habit of washing raw chicken before cooking is being discouraged due to the risk of spreading harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter. In this article, we’ll explore the correct and safe way to handle raw chicken, providing helpful tips, variants for different cooking methods, and answers to some common questions.

Ingredients:

Raw chicken (whole, breasts, thighs, or wings)
Water (if rinsing chicken)
Salt (for seasoning, optional)
Pepper (for seasoning, optional)
Any desired marinades or herbs for flavoring
Instructions:

Handling Raw Chicken: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw chicken. Make sure you have a clean surface to work on, and use separate utensils and cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination.

Avoid Rinsing Chicken: Experts advise skipping the step of rinsing raw chicken under cold water. Instead of rinsing, you should simply pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Rinsing can cause bacteria to splash onto surfaces in your kitchen, increasing the risk of contamination.

Prepping Chicken for Cooking: Once your chicken is patted dry, season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices or marinades you desire. You can also inject marinades for extra flavor or marinate your chicken for a few hours if preferred.

Cooking Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly by reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. Whether you are grilling, baking, frying, or slow-cooking, the key is reaching the proper internal temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.

Cleaning Up: After handling raw chicken, sanitize all surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water or a food-safe disinfectant to prevent contamination.

Tips for Serving and Storing:

Serving: Once your chicken is fully cooked and reaches the proper internal temperature, serve it immediately. Pair with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storing: If you have leftover cooked chicken, make sure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating. Store the chicken in an airtight container and consume it within 3–4 days. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 4 months.

Avoid Cross-Contamination: Be vigilant about separating raw chicken from other foods. This prevents the spread of harmful bacteria to ready-to-eat foods, especially fruits, vegetables, or dairy products.

Variants:

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