When it comes to preparing chicken tenders, a common question is whether you need to clean them before cooking. There are a few factors to consider when deciding if washing chicken tenders is necessary.
Why Might You Want to Clean Chicken Tenders?
Here are some potential reasons you may want to rinse or wash chicken tenders:
- To remove any sliminess or residue from the packaging
- To wash away bacteria that could cause foodborne illness
- To remove blood, juices, or seasonings that may have been added previously
- For peace of mind knowing the chicken has been washed
Washing chicken tends to make people feel like they are removing germs and dirt from the meat. However, experts caution that washing chicken can actually do more harm than good.
Potential Risks of Washing Chicken
Here are some of the potential risks associated with washing raw chicken:
- Splashing water can spread bacteria around the kitchen, contaminating counters and sinks
- Washing only rinses away visible dirt and germs rather than killing bacteria
- Wet surfaces help bacteria spread more easily
- The chlorine in tap water makes chicken more prone to cross-contamination
Even a seemingly clean chicken tender can harbor campylobacter, salmonella, and other dangerous bacteria. Washing does not destroy the bacteria but can simply spread it to surfaces, hands, and utensils.
Best Practices for Handling Chicken Safely
Rather than washing chicken tenders, experts recommend following other best practices to handle them safely:
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature when cooked
- Refrigerate chicken right away and cook within 1-2 days of purchasing
- Disinfect any surfaces that have touched raw chicken
These tips can effectively reduce the risk of cross-contamination during food prep without the need for washing chicken.
CDC Recommendations
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically advises against washing raw poultry. According to the CDC:
- Washing raw chicken can spread germs from the chicken juices to other foods, utensils, and surfaces.
- Cooking chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F kills any bacteria present.
- Consumers should use a food thermometer to verify chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.
The CDC strongly recommends against washing any raw meat or poultry due to the risk of cross-contamination. Proper handling, cooking, and cleaning practices are safer than attempting to wash away bacteria.
When Washing Chicken May Be Recommended
In some cases, rinsing chicken may be suggested or required:
- For kosher or halal preparation – Washing can remove blood, juices, or forbidden ingredients
- When using a marinade – A quick rinse can prevent marinade from splashing
- For enhanced texture – Some chefs claim rinsing makes meat more tender
If washing chicken, do so immediately before cooking and avoid splashing. Use a colander in the sink and rinse briefly under a gentle stream of cool water. However, the safest approach is still not to rinse raw chicken.
Is It Okay to Soak Chicken in Vinegar?
Some cooks advocate soaking chicken in vinegar as a safer way to clean it. However, food safety experts advise against this practice as well. Reasons soaking chicken in vinegar is not recommended include:
- The acidic vinegar only kills some types of bacteria, not all dangerous pathogens
- Bacteria can contaminate the vinegar, spreading to other foods
- Soaking can spread pathogens around the sink area
- Proper cooking is a guaranteed way to kill bacteria
While vinegar has some antimicrobial properties, it does not provide adequate disinfection for chicken. Proper handling and cooking are still required.
Can You Get Sick from Eating Unwashed Chicken?
Raw chicken can carry Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium perfringens, and other bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Consuming undercooked or contaminated chicken can lead to symptoms like:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Washing chicken does not destroy these pathogens within the meat. And if bacteria splash onto preparation surfaces, they can then contaminate other ingredients like vegetables or spreads.
However, if you follow proper handling procedures and cook chicken thoroughly to 165°F, the risk of illness is low regardless of whether the chicken was rinsed.
Research on Washing Chicken and Foodborne Illness
Multiple studies have looked at the efficacy and risks of washing poultry:
- A 1998 Drexel University study found that rinsing chicken under running water can spread campylobacter up to 30 inches away. This bacteria caused over 845,000 illnesses in the U.S. in 2018.
- A study in Wales found that 19% of roasting chickens tested positive for campylobacter before cooking. However, rinsing the chickens transferred the bacteria to 33% of them.
- Washing chicken was associated with a higher risk of campylobacter infection, according to a 2003 Swedish study.
- A U.S.-based study found that older people, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are especially susceptible to illness from raw poultry.
The scientific community remains in agreement that the risks of rinsing raw chicken outweigh any potential benefits.
Safe Alternatives to Washing Chicken
For peace of mind when handling raw chicken, use these safe alternatives to washing:
- Use vinegar and lemon juice in marinades (washed off before cooking)
- Sanitize surfaces with diluted bleach
- Dry chicken tenders with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- Remove chicken from packaging and place it on a clean plate
Doing any of these can remove unwanted residue or moisture without running the risks washing introduces. You can have clean, well-prepped chicken without washing.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to keep in mind when it comes to washing chicken tenders:
- Washing chicken does not remove or kill pathogens but can spread them around the kitchen.
- The safe strategy is not to rinse or soak chicken, but instead follow other food safety guidelines like using separate utensils and cooking thoroughly.
- The CDC, USDA, and food safety experts agree washing chicken is not a recommended practice.
- Cooking chicken properly to 165°F internally will destroy any dangerous bacteria present.
- Alternatives like using lemon juice in marinades can enhance chicken flavor without needing to wash it.
The Bottom Line
While the idea of washing chicken seems logical, food safety experts agree that the risks outweigh any potential benefits. Following proper handling, preparation, and cooking guidelines is the safest and most effective way to prevent foodborne illness from chicken tenders or any other raw poultry.