Should you wash chicken before you cook it?

Some wash chicken before they cook it, but does it make it any safer?

Your grandmother always washed her chicken, your mother taught you to wash chicken and it just feels logical that washing meat before cooking makes it cleaner and safer. But here's the plot twist that might surprise you: The USDA strongly recommends you don't wash raw poultry because it actually increases the risk of foodborne illness through cross-contamination. That innocent-looking splash of water you're creating is potentially turning your entire kitchen into a bacteria distribution center.

Many people fundamentally misunderstand what washing actually accomplishes. Washing, rinsing or brining meat and poultry in salt water, vinegar or lemon juice does not destroy bacteria. Only proper cooking to the correct internal temperature kills pathogens.

Worse, a USDA study found that 26% of participants who washed raw chicken transferred bacteria from the raw poultry to their ready-to-eat produce, like salad lettuce. Even more concerning, 60% of participants who washed their raw poultry had bacteria in their sink afterward, and 14% still had bacteria in their sinks even after they attempted to clean them. Food poisoning sends 128,000 Americans to the hospital each year, so washing your chicken is a real danger that causes actual harm.

In this article: ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer, Sumzzz Titanium Cutting Board for Kitchen and M MCIRCO [8-Pack,30 oz] Glass Meal Prep Containers

So while your instincts might tell you that washing equals cleaner, the reality is that you're trading a false sense of security for a very real increase in contamination risk. The safest approach? Skip the sink and cook your meat properly. Use a food thermometer to confirm that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature needed to kill harmful bacteria. Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods. And properly refrigerate perishable foods within two hours in airtight containers.

Use meat thermometers to test for temperature safety

ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer

This digital instant-read thermometer responds in under three seconds and has a back-lit display so it's easy to read in any lighting.

Escali AH1 Stainless Steel Oven-Safe Meat Thermometer

This oven-safe analog thermometer features an extra-large dial with clear temperature markings specifically labeled for different meats, including poultry.

Safely prepare food with two-sided cutting boards and kitchen gloves

Sumzzz Titanium Cutting Board for Kitchen

This cutting board uses pure titanium with wheat straw polypropylene for superior hygiene and durability, and the double-sided design gives you more food prep areas to reduce your risk of cross-contamination.

Lozovin Double-Sided 304 Stainless Steel & Wheat Straw Cutting Board

Featuring food-grade 304 stainless steel, this cutting board offers designated sides for meat and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination and a scratch-resistant mesh design for longevity.

Inspire Black Nitrile Gloves

These heavy-duty nitrile gloves allow you to handle raw meat without touching it, while still having good grip for safety. They're also chemical- and puncture-resistant.

Safely label and store food

M MCIRCO [8-Pack,30-oz] Glass Meal Prep Containers

These glass containers come with airtight lids to prevent contamination. They're see-through so you can easily identify what's inside, and they're microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe.

Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage set of 4

These premium glass storage containers feature crystal-clear Tritan plastic lids with airtight seals to lock in freshness. The leak-proof design prevents cross-contamination while the stackable construction maximizes fridge space.

ATL DIRECT 2x1 Dissolvable Food Labels

These dissolvable food labels help you keep track of storage dates when meal prepping or stashing leftovers in the fridge, freezer or pantry. The dissolvable design leaves behind no residue, so you can reuse containers over and over.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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