Chicken is the most frequently consumed meat in the United States. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone know how to handle chicken safely to avoid illness. With all the recalls in the food industry lately, you do not want to add to the problem by improperly handling your chicken.

 

Raw chicken is notorious for growing bacteria. If the chicken is kept between 40 and 140 degrees F, the opportunities for harmful bacterial growth are optimal. Uncooked chicken should be kept frozen or refrigerated until you need to cook it. Freezing will not kill bacteria, but it does halt their growth. Cooking thoroughly will destroy harmful bacteria.

 

Do you know how long do you cook chicken? Chicken is done when it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to measure its temperature. Place the thermometer in the thickest portion of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the inner wing. If you are roasting a whole chicken weighing 5 pounds at 350 degrees F, this means the chicken will need to cook for 2 to 2-1/4 hours to be done.

 

If you prefer cooking at a higher temperature, it obviously will shorten the cooking time. Grilling also makes a difference since it works with a very high heat. Do not worry about knowing how long does chicken need to cook; rely on your thermometer. It will tell you when to take the chicken out and serve it.

 

If you want to marinate the chicken, place it in a plastic bag or dish with the marinade and close it up. Set it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Extra marinade can be used on the chicken during cooking if you boil it first to destroy any bacteria that has accumulated. If you like stuffed chicken, do not stuff the bird until just before you slide it into the oven. Stuffing your chicken ahead of time is asking for trouble.

 

It is fine to partially cook a chicken before immediately transferring it to the grill to finish cooking. You should not partially cook chicken and then let it sit in the refrigerator until later. The bacteria are not destroyed in partially cooked chicken, giving it the opportunity for further growth.

 

Do you know how long does chicken keep in the refrigerator? You can safely leave the chicken in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you need to thaw chicken, plan ahead and let it thaw in the refrigerator. You can even refreeze chicken if it has thawed in the fridge as long as it never sat on the counter. This is a great food saver if you find you will not be able to use the chicken after all.

 

If you find yourself needing to cook a chicken before it has thawed, use the stove or the oven. Do not toss it in the slow cooker or the microwave. It will take about 50% more time to cook a frozen chicken than it does a thawed one, so make sure you allow yourself enough time.


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