Should chicken thighs in a package be rinsed water before cooking?

You don't need to rinse chicken thighs before cooking. Here's why:

* Rinsing can spread bacteria: The water can splash and spread bacteria from the raw chicken onto your sink, countertops, and other surfaces.

* Rinsing doesn't remove bacteria: The process of rinsing doesn't actually kill bacteria, it just washes it around.

* Rinsing can make chicken drier: The water can actually dilute the natural moisture in the chicken, leading to drier meat.

What to do instead:

1. Pat dry: Gently pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better and cook evenly.

2. Cook thoroughly: Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.

Bottom line: Focus on handling chicken safely and cooking it properly, rather than rinsing it.