Learn How To Handle And Cook Chicken Safely

Chicken is a delicious and comfort food that also entices the fussy eaters. Barbequed, roasted, grilled or cooked by any method, easy chicken recipes make the most delicious food for every occasion. Aside from cooking method and taste, quality is yet another aspect that must be emphasized while preparing chicken. The way you handle it can affect the quality of food and your health.

These handy tips can make things easier for you:

Before cooking chicken

•Raw chicken should be refrigerated promptly and should never be left on the countertop at room temperature.

•If you bring packaged chicken, then it may be refrigerated in the original packing in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

•Take out the amount of chicken that you need to cook at a time and refrigerate the rest.

•When needed, it should be thawed in the refrigerator not on the countertop. On an average, it takes around 24 hours to thaw 4-pound chicken in the refrigerator. Cut parts may take 3 to 9 hours.

•Thawing can be done outside the refrigerator but in the cold water. Just place it in the original wrap or water tight plastic bag in cold water. Don't forget to change the water frequently.

•Microware can be used for quick thawing.

•It is strongly recommended to wash hands, cutting boards, countertops, knives and utensils used in the preparation with soapy water. They should not come in direct contact with other raw or cooked food without washing.

While cooking

•If you are cooking stuffed chicken,...