Or does it actually do more harm than good?

Why Do People Wash Raw Chicken?

[You] should always cook by internal temperaturenot time.

a photo of a person washing a piece of chicken

Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.

To get the most accurate reading, use a high-qualitymeat thermometer.

Instead, thaw raw chicken in airtight packaging in the refrigerator.

The Bottom Line

Washing raw chicken is an unnecessary step.

Chicken Check In.Processing: How are chickens slaughtered and processed for meat?

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Food Safety and Inspection Service.Washing Food: Does It Promote Food Safety?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chicken and Food Poisoning.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Food Safety and Inspection Service.Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Four Steps to Food Safety.