Is it okay to not wash a chicken before you prepare because I noticed that some Food Channel chefs do use this process?

- Washing chicken does not remove bacteria effectively: Contrary to popular belief, rinsing chicken under water does not successfully eliminate bacteria. In fact, it can spread bacteria to other surfaces in your kitchen, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

- Cooking to the correct internal temperature kills harmful bacteria: The most effective way to kill bacteria in chicken is to cook it to the proper internal temperature. The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Cooking to this temperature ensures that harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter are destroyed.

- Washing can alter the texture of chicken: Rinsing chicken with water can cause it to absorb excess moisture, which can result in a less flavorful and potentially soggy texture when cooked.

So, what's the best practice?

Instead of washing chicken, here's what you can do to ensure food safety and prepare your chicken for cooking:

1. Keep your hands clean: Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling chicken or any other raw meat.

2. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken: Avoid cross-contamination by using one cutting board and utensils specifically for handling raw chicken and separate ones for cooked foods.

3. Cook chicken thoroughly: As mentioned earlier, cooking chicken to the correct internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) kills harmful bacteria. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it's cooked through.

4. Handle raw chicken with care: Avoid touching your face or other parts of your body while handling raw chicken, and disinfect any surfaces that may have come in contact with raw chicken before using them for other purposes.

By following these practices, you can safely handle and prepare chicken without the need to wash it before cooking.