After handling chicken, wash your hands again before touching:
- Phone screens
- Refrigerator handles
- Spices
- Other ingredients
This simple step helps prevent bacteria from spreading around your kitchen.
Do Not Wash Raw Chicken
Many people believe washing raw chicken removes bacteria, but rinsing chicken under water can actually spread bacteria through splashes around your sink and countertops.
The safest method is:
- Remove chicken from the packaging carefully.
- Avoid splashing water around the kitchen.
- Cook the chicken properly to destroy harmful bacteria.
Use Separate Cutting Boards and Utensils
A separate cutting board for raw meat is one of the easiest ways to improve kitchen safety.
After preparing chicken:
- Wash knives and boards with hot soapy water.
- Clean kitchen counters.
- Disinfect surfaces if needed.
Avoid using the same tools for raw chicken and ready-to-eat foods unless they have been properly cleaned.
How to Store Raw Chicken Correctly
Proper storage helps keep chicken fresh and reduces the chance of bacteria spreading.
Keep Chicken Refrigerated
Raw chicken should be stored in the refrigerator at a safe temperature.
Place chicken:
- In a sealed container
- On the bottom shelf of the refrigerator
- Away from foods that will be eaten without cooking
This prevents juices from dripping onto other foods.
Freeze Chicken If You Are Not Cooking It Soon
If you do not plan to cook chicken within a short period, freezing is a good option.
When freezing chicken:
- Use freezer-safe packaging.
- Remove excess air when possible.
- Label the package with the date.
Proper packaging helps maintain quality and prevents freezer damage.
The Right Way to Cook Chicken
Cooking chicken properly is the final and most important safety step.
The USDA recommends cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Using a food thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness.
Do not rely only on:
- Color of the meat
- Texture
- Cooking time alone
Different chicken pieces and cooking methods can require different cooking times.
Common Mistakes When Handling Raw Chicken
Mistake 1: Washing Chicken Before Cooking
As mentioned earlier, washing raw chicken can spread bacteria instead of removing it.
Mistake 2: Using One Cutting Board for Everything
Raw chicken should not share the same preparation surface as salads, fruits, or vegetables.