The other night, I watched my roommate rinse raw chicken in the sink before cooking it. When I asked why, she shrugged and said, “That’s what Grandma always did.” I didn’t argue or say anything – just kept chopping onions and pretending I wasn’t silently panicking inside.
But honestly? I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
So I did what most of us do – I grabbed my phone and started searching. Let’s explore this together, in case you’ve ever wondered the same thing, or caught yourself rinsing chicken out of habit.
Why People Rinse Chicken in the First Place
Let’s start with Grandma.
For a lot of us, watching older generations rinse raw meat in the sink is a familiar memory. Maybe your mom or aunt used to do it too. The idea was simple: rinse off any “slime” or leftover bits before cooking. It felt like an extra step of cleanliness – like washing veggies or fruit.
And honestly, it looks like it should help. But appearances can be deceiving.
These habits stuck around because no one really questioned them. They were passed down like favorite recipes or that one special way to fold a towel. But once we know better, we can choose to do better – and safely.
The Real Problem With Rinsing Raw Chicken
Here’s where it gets tricky.
When you rinse raw chicken under the faucet, water droplets can splatter farther than you might think. They can carry tiny, invisible germs onto the counter, onto your hands, and even onto nearby dishes or utensils. It’s called cross-contamination, and it can happen in a flash without you even noticing.
The chicken might look cleaner, but the sink might become a hot spot of invisible leftovers.
And rinsing doesn’t actually remove anything dangerous. Cooking the chicken thoroughly is what really makes it safe to eat.
So ironically, rinsing it might make your kitchen less safe – not more.
So What Should You Do Instead?
Skip the rinse. Go straight to the pan.
I know, it feels weird at first. You take the chicken out, and your hands are already a little slimy. It’s tempting to reach for the water. But here’s what you can do instead:
- Use clean tongs or gloves to transfer it.
- Keep a trash bowl or bag nearby so you’re not trekking to the garbage with raw hands.
- Have paper towels ready if you want to blot moisture (this can help with browning).
And then? Wash your hands. With warm water and soap, for 20 seconds. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
What If You Already Rinsed It?
No judgment, really.
If you’ve been rinsing chicken your whole life, or just did it yesterday, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. But it’s a great moment to start fresh.
After rinsing, just be extra cautious. Scrub the sink with hot, soapy water. Wipe down nearby surfaces. Swap out that sponge or cloth, too.
And remember: it’s never about being perfect – it’s about being aware and adapting when we learn something new.
Talking About It Without Making It Weird
This one’s tough.
If you live with someone who rinses chicken, or you saw a friend do it, it can feel awkward to bring up. No one wants to sound like they’re lecturing.
So keep it casual. You could try something like: “Hey, I used to do that too, but I read it can actually spread more mess. I just cook it straight now, less cleanup!”
That way, it’s more of a “here’s what I learned” moment, not a kitchen showdown.
Why This Actually Matters More Than You Think
You might be thinking, “Okay, so I just need to stop rinsing chicken – no big deal.”
But it is kind of a big deal, in a small way.
These little habits – how we prep food, how we clean, how we handle raw ingredients – are part of how we take care of ourselves and the people we feed. Whether it’s your kids, your partner, your roommates, or just you at the end of a long day, kitchen habits build trust. And safety.
So even if Grandma did it differently, you can gently update the tradition. You’re not losing the love in her cooking – you’re adding your own care to it.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen holding raw chicken and thinking, “Should I rinse this?” – now you’ve got your answer.
You don’t need to rinse it. Just cook it well, wash your hands, and keep the sink tidy.
That one little change can go a long way. And hey, if you pass it along to someone else? That’s how better habits spread – one dinner at a time.
