Preparation guide
Should you wash raw chicken before cooking?
FoodSafety.gov advises not washing poultry; cooking and preventing cross-contamination are the relevant steps.
U.S. home food-safety guidance.Check the source and scope
What to do
- Transfer chicken from its package to a dedicated board or dish without rinsing it.
- Wash hands with soap and water after raw handling; clean boards, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water.
- Use separate clean plates for cooked chicken, and measure 165°F in the thickest meat.
Conditions and limits
- Rinsing, vinegar, or lemon juice does not replace correct cooking.
- Contain package drips and keep raw juices off ready-to-eat food.
Source and scope
Primary reference: FoodSafety.gov 4 Steps to Food Safety. Equipment-specific steps and quality suggestions are practical guidance; check the appliance or product instructions for your model. How this site uses sources.