Chicken bacon, also known as turkey bacon, is a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon. It is made from ground chicken or turkey and often contains flavorings, preservatives, and other ingredients. Many people choose chicken bacon because it has less fat and fewer calories than pork bacon. A common question is whether chicken bacon is pre-cooked or if it requires additional cooking before eating. The answer depends on the specific product.
Is Chicken Bacon Fully Cooked?
Most chicken bacon available in grocery stores is fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the package. Brands like Oscar Mayer turkey bacon and Hormel turkey bacon are pre-cooked during manufacturing. The bacon is smoked, cured, and cooked to an internal temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria. This allows it to be safely shelf-stable at room temperature. As long as the package is properly sealed, the bacon inside does not need additional cooking. It can be eaten right away or heated as desired.
Exceptions to Fully Cooked Chicken Bacon
While most chicken bacon is pre-cooked, there are a few exceptions:
Fresh Chicken Bacon
Some high-end butcher shops and specialty food stores sell fresh, uncooked chicken bacon. This product is essentially unprocessed, raw chicken breast that is sliced to resemble traditional bacon strips. Fresh chicken bacon found in the meat department or deli counter is not ready to eat and needs thorough cooking to 165°F internally before consumption.
Frozen Raw Chicken Bacon
Certain brands of frozen chicken bacon, like Applegate, are sold raw. The packaging will indicate if the bacon is “raw” or “uncooked.” These products require cooking before eating for food safety. Follow the suggested cooking instructions on the packaging, which typically recommend pan-frying over medium heat or baking in the oven until no longer pink inside. A food thermometer should read 165°F to ensure the bacon is fully cooked.
Restaurant or Homemade Chicken Bacon
Chicken bacon served at restaurants or homemade from scratch is unlikely to be pre-cooked. Chefs need to smoke, boil, bake, or pan-fry the bacon to make it safe to eat. Use a food thermometer to confirm chicken bacon made at home or in a restaurant reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before eating.
Identifying Fully Cooked vs Raw Chicken Bacon
Here are some tips for identifying if chicken bacon needs cooking:
Check the Packaging
The packaging should indicate if chicken bacon is fully cooked, partially cooked, or raw. Terms like “ready to eat,” “fully cooked,” or “just heat and eat” indicate pre-cooked bacon. Phrases like “cook before eating” or “raw” mean the bacon requires cooking.
Look for a Pink Color
Pre-cooked chicken bacon will be tan or brown throughout. Raw chicken bacon may be pink or have pink streaks, indicating it is not fully cooked.
Feel the Texture
Cooked chicken bacon has a firm, jerky-like texture. Raw chicken bacon may feel soft and squishy.
Check the Sell-By Date
Raw chicken bacon has a very short sell-by date of just a few days. Pre-cooked packaged chicken bacon lasts weeks or months when unopened.
Note the Storage Location
If purchased from a grocery store, pre-cooked chicken bacon is found on shelves near other cured meats. Raw chicken bacon sold in stores requires refrigeration and is located in cold cases.
Safety Tips for Chicken Bacon
Here are some important safety considerations when handling and cooking chicken bacon:
Cook raw chicken bacon thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature before eating.
Do not eat chicken bacon that smells bad or is past its sell-by date.
Store opened packages of pre-cooked chicken bacon in the refrigerator and use within 1 week.
Keep raw chicken bacon separate from other foods when refrigerating and cooking.
Avoid cross-contaminating kitchen surfaces and utensils with bacteria from raw chicken bacon.
Refreeze unopened packages of frozen raw chicken bacon if thawed.
Discard cooked chicken bacon that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Following basic food safety practices helps prevent bacteria like salmonella or listeria from growing. Take steps to properly handle both raw and cooked chicken bacon.
Nutrition Comparison of Chicken vs Pork Bacon
Chicken bacon is often perceived as the healthier choice over pork bacon. But is that true? Here is a nutritional comparison of the two popular types of bacon:
Calories and Fat
On average, a 1-ounce serving of chicken bacon contains:
- 60 calories
- 2.5g fat
- 0.5g saturated fat
An equivalent serving of pork bacon contains:
- 43 calories
- 3.5g fat
- 1.2g saturated fat
So chicken bacon is slightly higher in calories but lower in total and saturated fat compared to pork bacon.
Sodium Content
Chicken bacon and pork bacon contain similar levels of sodium:
- Chicken bacon: 230mg sodium
- Pork bacon: 189mg sodium
The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to 1500mg per day. Moderation is key when enjoying either type of bacon.
Protein
Chicken bacon provides more protein than pork bacon. A 1-ounce serving contains:
- Chicken bacon: 12g protein
- Pork bacon: 7g protein
So chicken bacon has nearly twice as much protein than pork bacon per ounce.
Nitrates
One area where pork bacon seems to have an advantage is lower nitrate content. Chicken bacon often contains sodium nitrite for preservation. Too many nitrates from processed meats may be linked to increased cancer risk.
The Winner?
Overall, chicken bacon is slightly healthier than pork bacon due to its lower saturated fat content and higher protein. However, pork bacon contains less total calories and sodium. From a nutritional standpoint, both types of bacon should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How to Cook Chicken Bacon
Chicken bacon requires little effort to prepare. Here are some easy cooking methods:
Pan Frying
The most common way to cook chicken bacon is in a skillet over medium heat. Place bacon strips in a cold pan to render the fat slowly. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy. Pour off excess fat.
Oven Baking
For a hands-off cooking method, bake chicken bacon in the oven. Place strips on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until cooked through. Prop up one end of the pan to let grease run off.
Microwaving
Microwaving is a fast option for cooking chicken bacon. Place strips between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 30 second intervals until crispy. Let stand 1 minute before eating.
Grilling
To add smoky flavor, grill chicken bacon over direct medium heat. Cook bacon strips on both sides for 2-4 minutes total. Brush with maple syrup or barbecue sauce during the last few minutes if desired.
Air Frying
An air fryer makes crispy chicken bacon without added oil. Air fry at 400°F for 4-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check frequently to avoid overbrowning.
Serving Suggestions
In addition to breakfast, chicken bacon can be used to add flavor and crunch to all kinds of dishes:
- Cobb or chef salads – crumble over greens, chicken, egg, tomato, avocado
- Burgers or sandwiches – top with chicken bacon strips
- Wraps – add to chicken, turkey, or veggie wraps
- Pizza – sprinkle over pizza as a topping before or after baking
- Pasta – mix crumbled chicken bacon into cream or pesto sauces for pasta
- Soups – add to chicken noodle soup, potato soup, or chili
- Brussel sprouts or green beans – sprinkle crumbled bacon over roasted veggies
- Loaded baked potatoes – top with bacon bits, cheddar, and sour cream
The smoky, salty flavor of chicken bacon enhances both sweet and savory recipes. Get creative with adding it to meals and sides!
Storing Chicken Bacon
To maximize freshness and shelf life:
Unopened Packages
Leave pre-cooked chicken bacon sealed in its original packaging at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating unopened bacon, which can cause texture changes.
Opened Packages
Once opened, transfer leftover chicken bacon to a sealed container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate and use within 5-7 days for best quality.
Cooked Chicken Bacon
Place any cooked chicken bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use leftovers within 3-4 days. Do not freeze cooked bacon.
Uncooked Chicken Bacon
Always refrigerate raw chicken bacon as you would ground poultry. Follow “sell-by” dates closely and cook within a few days of purchasing. Raw chicken bacon can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about chicken bacon:
Does chicken bacon taste like pork bacon?
Chicken bacon tastes similar but a bit milder and less fatty than pork bacon. The flavors are comparable but pork has a richer, smokier taste.
Is chicken bacon gluten-free?
Most chicken bacon contains no gluten ingredients so it is considered gluten-free. However, check labels to confirm the specific brand purchased has no gluten.
Why is chicken bacon chewier than pork bacon?
Chicken contains less fat than pork. With less fat to cook off, chicken bacon can end up chewier in texture than traditional bacon. Proper cooking helps render fat to avoid chewy chicken bacon.
Can you freeze chicken bacon?
Raw packaged chicken bacon can be frozen up to 3 months. Allow frozen bacon to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Avoid freezing previously cooked chicken bacon.
Is chicken bacon processed like pork bacon?
Yes, most pre-cooked chicken bacon undergoes processing and contains added ingredients like preservatives, flavorings, and coloring. Check labels and choose low-sodium brands to limit intake of these additives if it is a concern.
Conclusion
Chicken bacon makes a convenient lower-fat alternative to regular pork bacon. The majority of chicken bacon sold pre-cooked in stores is ready to enjoy straight from the package. Some raw, fresh chicken bacon does require cooking prior to eating. Follow package instructions closely and properly handle chicken bacon. While not a health food, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle when you want that bacon flavor. Store opened packages in the refrigerator and incorporate chicken bacon into both breakfast and other savory recipes.