How to Properly Handle and Store Raw Chicken

When you are storing raw chicken, keep it stored in a plastic bag to keep it from leaking on other foods nearby. Refrigerate it as soon as possible after it is purchased and make sure it is kept cool when transporting it. This can be done by using a cooler or by keeping your car air conditioned if it is warm out. Raw chicken can be kept safely in a refrigerator that is at 40 degrees or lower for 3-4 days normally. This depends on how fresh the chicken is when it is purchased.

You can freeze chicken if you do not plan to use it right away. Wrap it tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap and place in the freezer. It can be kept frozen for up to twelve months if it has been wrapped properly. Mark the package clearly with the contents and the date it will be frozen.

To thaw frozen chicken, you can just put it in the fridge to thaw for a couple of days. You can also defrost in the microwave or in cold water. Just make sure you change the water every thirty minutes when using this method.

Make sure you have a really clean work area to work with your chicken on. Wash your hands well before touching chicken and afterward. When cooking chicken, you should use different utensils and dishes for the raw meat and cooked meat. Raw meat should never come into contact with anything that is meant to be eaten.

After the chicken is cooked, it needs to be kept at the proper temperature to stay safe. Either keep it hot at around 140 degrees F or cold, below 40 degrees F. Again, you can use a cooler to transport chicken to keep it at a stable temperature while transporting it to another location.

After you have cooked your chicken, proper clean up is very important. Wash cutting boards, utensils and other items used to touch the chicken in hot soapy water. Clean all counter tops and surfaces with hot soapy water as well.