Do you have to clean a whole chicken before cooking?
Washing raw chicken before cooking it can increase your risk of food poisoning from campylobacter bacteria. Splashing water from washing chicken under a tap can spread the bacteria onto hands, work surfaces, clothing and cooking equipment.
What is the proper way to clean chicken?
How do you clean a roasted chicken?
Rinse the chicken with cold water under a tap in the kitchen sink. Make sure to rinse the inside and outside of the chicken. Pat it dry with a kitchen towel. Drying it will give it crispy brown skin when cooking.
David Nilsen is the former editor of Fourth & Sycamore. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. You can find more of his writing on his website at davidnilsenwriter.com and follow him on Twitter as @NilsenDavid.