Chicken

Chicken Basics

Chicken is a lean, low-cost protein source. 

Shop and Save

• Whole raw chicken may be cost less per pound but some parts have little meat. 
• Large bulk packages of pieces may be cheaper per pound than smaller packages.
• Boneless, skinless pieces cost more but save time and have the least waste. 
• Watch for sale prices. Stock up if you can cook or freeze within a few days. 
• Check the ‘sell-by’ date on the package for best quality. 
• Pre-cooked chicken is a great timesaver. Look for roasted or rotisserie chicken in deli sections or canned chicken near other canned meats or fish. 
• Chicken is also available as raw ground meat.

Store Well Waste Less

• Refrigerate raw chicken and use within 1 to 2 days for best quality.  
• Refrigerate cooked chicken for up to 3 or 4 days. Freeze for longer storage; package in recipe-sized amounts; use within 2 months for best quality.
• Freeze raw chicken to store for 9 to 12 months. 
  • Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or a sandwich bag to make it easy to thaw only the amount you need. Combine wrapped pieces in a resealable freezer bag. Label and date the package.

Keep it Safe!

You can’t see, smell, or taste harmful bacteria that may cause illness. Cold temperatures limit their growth and thorough cooking destroys them.

• Eat or refrigerate pre-cooked chicken within 2 hours of purchase. 
• Keep raw chicken cold from store or market to home; add to your cart just before check-out. 
• Keep raw chicken away from other food, especially raw fruits and vegetables. 
• Thaw in the refrigerator; use a container to catch any liquids. To thaw faster, cover package with cold water or microwave on defrost; cook immediately. 
• Do not wash chicken; it can spread bacteria to all surfaces the water touches. 
• Use hot soapy water to wash hands and all surfaces and utensils that touch raw chicken.
• Cook chicken thoroughly. It should reach at least 165 degrees F in the thickest part. 
• The cooked meat of frozen chicken can sometimes appear dark near the bone. It is safe to eat.

Cooking with Chicken

Recipes

Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Skillet Meal

Rice Bowl Southwestern Style

Skillet-Braised Chicken

Kids Can!

When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:

• adjust the temperature on the stove.   
• measure ingredients and stir things together.  
• wash and chop veggies or cooked meat..