Should You Wash Chicken Before Cooking? What Do Scientists Say?

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It turns out that the popular habit of washing raw chicken before cooking is not only useless but also dangerous. According to recent research , more and more people are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk of food poisoning by following this persistent myth.

Australian scientists warn: despite what you've been told or seen on social media, never wash raw chicken before cooking, as this will likely spread bacteria throughout the kitchen, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Cooking chicken to 75°C (165°F), as measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part, ensures the destruction of bacteria.

The study found that many people are still doing it wrong: one in two adults in Australia (51%) who cook a whole raw chicken said they usually wash it before cooking. The proportion of home cooks who wash chicken before cooking is 48% for skin-on chicken pieces and 44% for skinless chicken pieces.

Of additional concern is that the proportion of those who typically wash raw chicken has increased from 49% for whole chicken, 43% for skinless chicken pieces, and 40% for skinless chicken pieces in 2021 to 51%, 48%, and 44%, respectively, in 2025.

How to properly cook chicken, according to Australian scientists and doctors:

• Always wash and dry your hands and clean surfaces after handling raw poultry.
• Defrost poultry in the refrigerator or microwave in a container that prevents juices from spilling onto other foods or kitchen surfaces. Ensure the poultry is completely defrosted before cooking.
• Be careful not to let raw poultry juice contaminate other foods, especially those such as desserts or salads that are not re-cooked before consumption.
• Always use clean plates and utensils, washing and drying them thoroughly after handling raw and cooked poultry. Never place cooked food on the same plate or cutting board where raw poultry was previously stored unless it has been thoroughly washed and dried. It is recommended to use separate cutting boards for raw and unsafe foods, as well as for ready-to-eat foods.