Every Sunday morning, my grandmother had the same routine.
She took a whole chicken from the refrigerator…
…and carried it straight to the sink.
She believed rinsing it under running water made it cleaner and safer.
One day, while watching a cooking show, she heard something that completely surprised her.
“Don’t wash raw chicken.”
She couldn’t believe it.
Later that week, she asked a food safety specialist if it was really true.
The expert smiled and explained,
“Raw chicken is safe to cook without washing. Rinsing it under the faucet can spread tiny droplets of bacteria onto nearby surfaces, utensils, and even foods that won’t be cooked. Proper cooking—not washing—is what makes chicken safe to eat.”
That conversation changed the way our entire family prepared poultry.
Why Washing Chicken Can Spread Germs
When water hits raw chicken, tiny invisible droplets can splash around your sink.
Those droplets may land on:
- Kitchen counters
- Cutting boards
- Faucets
- Dish towels
- Plates
- Fresh fruits and vegetables nearby
Even though you can’t see them, they can spread bacteria throughout the kitchen.
6 Mistakes Many People Make
1. Washing Chicken Under Running Water
Cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature is what destroys harmful bacteria.
2. Using the Same Cutting Board
Always use separate cutting boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods whenever possible.
3. Forgetting to Wash Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw chicken.
4. Reusing the Marinade
If a marinade has touched raw chicken, discard it or boil it thoroughly before using it as a sauce.
5. Using the Same Plate
Never place cooked chicken back onto the plate that previously held the raw meat.
6. Forgetting the Kitchen Sink
The sink, faucet handles, and surrounding countertop should be cleaned after preparing raw poultry.
Grandma’s Safe Chicken Routine
Before Cooking
- Remove the chicken from its packaging.
- Pat it dry with paper towels if needed.
- Discard the paper towels immediately.
- Season the chicken directly.
After Handling
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Clean knives, cutting boards, countertops, and the sink with hot, soapy water.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Simple Kitchen Safety Habits
- Keep raw meat separate from fresh produce.
- Refrigerate chicken promptly.
- Use clean utensils.
- Sanitize food preparation surfaces.
- Store raw poultry on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent drips.
One Final Thought
For many years, washing raw chicken was a common kitchen tradition.
Today, food safety experts recommend skipping that step because proper cooking is what makes chicken safe—not rinsing it under the tap. A few simple habits, including preventing cross-contamination and cooking chicken thoroughly, can help protect everyone around your table while making your kitchen a safer place to prepare meals.
For more surprising kitchen tips, discover why you should NEVER Again Step on a Cockroach Without Knowing This First!, or for a health boost, check out The #1 Tea That Supports Healthy Kidneys After 60 and how 1 TSP! Helps You Poop Within the First 10 Minutes of Your Morning.
