Are you supposed to clean a chicken out before cooking it?

* Contamination: Cleaning the inside of a chicken can spread bacteria from the raw poultry to your kitchen surfaces, hands, and other foods.

* Unnecessary: The giblets (heart, liver, and gizzards) are often included in a packaged chicken and are meant to be removed and cooked separately.

* No benefit: The inside of a chicken doesn't need to be cleaned for cooking. The heat of cooking will kill any bacteria present.

Here's what you should do instead:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw poultry.

2. Rinse the chicken under cold running water, inside and out, to remove any visible debris.

3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

4. Remove the giblets if you wish to cook them separately.

5. Cook the chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

By following these steps, you can ensure that your chicken is properly prepared and safe to eat.