Why You Should Never Wash Raw Chicken—and What to Do Instead

The Right Way to Prep Raw Chicken

Rather than washing raw chicken, follow these two steps to safely prepare it:

Open the Package Carefully
Start by slitting the chicken’s plastic covering at one end. Place the chicken pieces on a clean plastic board designated for raw meat to avoid cross-contamination. Carefully discard the packaging and any liquid inside.
Pat Dry with Paper Towels
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking. If your recipe calls for removing the skin, pat it dry again after doing so. Blotting excess moisture will help the chicken brown nicely when cooked.
Safe Food Handling for Raw Chicken
To further reduce the risk of cross-contamination, follow these guidelines when shopping, prepping, and cooking:

Separate Poultry from Other Groceries
Keep poultry separate from fresh produce in your grocery bags, in the refrigerator, and during food preparation.
Use a Designated Cutting Board
Use a plastic cutting board specifically for raw meat. Avoid prepping vegetables on the same board to prevent cross-contamination.
Clean Thoroughly
Wash everything that comes into contact with raw chicken in hot, soapy water. This includes knives, cutting boards, countertops, and utensils.
By following these steps, you can handle raw chicken safely without spreading bacteria in your kitchen. Proper cooking, not rinsing, is the key to eliminating pathogens in poultry.