are you supposed to wash chicken

You are not supposed to wash chicken before cooking it. Food safety authorities such as the USDA, CDC, and other experts recommend against washing raw poultry because washing can splash dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter around the kitchen. This increases the risk of cross- contamination to surfaces, utensils, and other foods. Instead, cooking chicken thoroughly to the right internal temperature (165°F) will kill any harmful bacteria and make it safe to eat. If needed, any residue on the chicken can be wiped off with a paper towel, followed by thorough hand washing and cleaning of kitchen surfaces. Washing chicken does not remove bacteria but spreads it, so skipping the wash is safer for food preparation.