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

Why You Shouldn’t Wash Chicken Before Cooking
When you rinse raw chicken, you’re effectively spreading bacteria—particularly salmonella and campylobacter, the two leading causes of bacterial foodborne illness—across your sink and countertops. These bacteria can easily contaminate your kitchen surfaces and sponge, leading to a higher risk of cross-contamination.

While fresh fruits and vegetables should be washed with cold water, raw poultry should not. Instead, trust that proper cooking will destroy any bacteria. Cooking chicken to the correct internal temperature is the only way to ensure it’s safe to eat.

The Right Way to Prep Raw Chicken

The Right Way to Prep Raw Chicken

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

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