The short answer is NO, you should not wash raw chicken before cooking. Washing raw chicken can spread harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter around your kitchen, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. The USDA and the CDC strongly advise against rinsing poultry because water droplets can carry bacteria up to three feet away, contaminating countertops, utensils, and even your hands.
Why Do Some People Still Wash Chicken?
Despite health guidelines, some people continue to rinse raw chicken due to habit, cultural practices, or misconceptions. Many believe washing removes slime, blood, or bacteria, but this is a myth. Cooking chicken to 165°F (74°C) is the only reliable way to kill bacteria. Some chefs, including Bobby Flay, wash chicken for personal preference, but they take extra precautions in professional kitchens to avoid cross-contamination.
How Washing Chicken Spreads Bacteria
When you rinse raw chicken under running water, bacteria-laden droplets splash onto nearby surfaces. A study by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) found that water droplets from rinsing chicken can travel up to three feet, contaminating sinks, cutting boards, sponges, and even fresh produce. This invisible contamination can lead to food poisoning if surfaces aren’t thoroughly disinfected.
Does Washing Chicken Remove Slime or Odors?
If raw chicken feels slimy or has an off-putting smell, it may already be spoiled. Washing won’t make it safe to eat. Instead, check the expiration date, color, and smell before cooking. Fresh chicken should have a mild odor and a slightly pink color. If the texture feels overly slimy or the smell is strong and unpleasant, discard it immediately.
How to Handle Raw Chicken Safely
Instead of rinsing raw chicken, follow these steps to prevent contamination:
- Pat dry with paper towels – If you want to remove excess moisture, use disposable paper towels instead of rinsing.
- Use a separate cutting board – Never cut chicken on the same surface as vegetables or other ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly – Use hot, soapy water to clean everything that comes in contact with raw chicken.
- Cook to the correct temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Do Professional Chefs Wash Chicken?
Some professional chefs, including Bobby Flay, rinse their chicken before cooking, but they work in highly controlled environments. In commercial kitchens, chefs have access to sanitizing stations, dedicated sinks, and strict hygiene protocols that most home cooks don’t have. Unless you have commercial-grade kitchen sanitation, it’s safer to follow food safety guidelines.
What About Cleaning Chicken with Vinegar or Lemon?
Many people believe that rinsing chicken with vinegar, lemon juice, or salt water helps kill bacteria. While acidic solutions may reduce some bacteria, they do not eliminate all pathogens. The only way to safely kill bacteria is by cooking the chicken to 165°F (74°C).
How to Prevent Chicken Contamination in Your Kitchen
To keep your kitchen bacteria-free:
- 🧊 Store raw chicken separately – Keep it in a sealed container on the lowest fridge shelf.
- 🧼 Disinfect surfaces – Use a kitchen sanitizer or a diluted bleach solution after handling raw chicken.
- 🚫 Don’t reuse packaging – Discard any plastic wrap or absorbent pads that come with store-bought chicken.
- 🧤 Use tongs or gloves – Minimize direct contact with raw poultry.
Is There Ever a Reason to Rinse Chicken?
The only time it’s acceptable to rinse chicken is when it has been brined or marinated in a thick sauce and needs a quick rinse to remove excess salt or seasoning. However, even in this case, rinsing should be done carefully in a controlled way to minimize splashing.
What If You Already Washed Your Chicken?
If you’ve been washing chicken for years, don’t panic. Just be extra diligent about sanitizing your sink, faucet, and nearby surfaces after handling raw poultry. Going forward, it’s best to break the habit and focus on safe handling and proper cooking temperatures.
Final Verdict: Skip the Rinse, Cook It Right
Washing raw chicken is an unnecessary and risky practice that can spread bacteria in your kitchen. Even though some chefs like Bobby Flay may do it, home cooks should avoid rinsing poultry. Instead, focus on proper food handling, storage, and cooking temperatures to ensure safe and delicious chicken dishes.