The power went out all over our neighborhood and I couldn't cook my chicken that I had thawing in the sink. It stayed really cold, but I cant get a for sure answer on whether i can cook it or not. i started to marinate it, and if i find an answer i will cook (or not cook) it tonight... Oy. What do I do?
2007-03-09 12:31:59 · 20 answers · asked by Future Chef 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
It has a tiny, tiny little smell to it, but I honestly can't remember if chicken usually has a smell anyway. I know it stayed really cold, because this morning the water was like ice. But, a few of the little packages I had some of the breasts wrapped in opened up... what should I do?
2007-03-09 12:44:38 · update #1
If it doesn't smell, you will be fine if you cook it until the internal temperature is above 170 degrees farenheit. You MUST use a meat thermometer. Use an oven pre-heated to 350 degrees, cook it for 20 minutes per pound plus ten extra minutes. For example, a four pound chicken would need to cook for one and one-half hours at 350 degrees.
2007-03-09 12:41:36 · answer #1 · answered by claywlong 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The cost of getting a new chicken to cook is much less than the cost of a trip to the emergency room for salmonella. I wouldn't take the chance whether it has a smell or not.
2007-03-09 14:50:06 · answer #2 · answered by Brian G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cook it right away --- THOROUGHLY and you will be fine.
Thorough cooking will destroy all the bacteria. A meat thermometer is a good idea, but if you don't have one, cook the chicken until the meat is falling off the bone and the juices run clear.
Bon Appetit !
2007-03-09 14:31:44 · answer #3 · answered by Donald G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can cook it, the cooking is what eliminates the bacteria, and people don't usually get sick unless the chicken is undercooked, or has been out on the table for longer than 4 hours after cooking, just make sure it is cooked thoroughly and it will be fine.
2007-03-09 12:36:15 · answer #4 · answered by smileyu571 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would a lot rather dump the chicken and the cost of it than go through being ill since it is a risky thing at best. Don't eat it please. As others replied,when in doubt,throw it out. I have done that and didn't have to suffer from food poisening.
2007-03-09 14:15:02 · answer #5 · answered by marlynembrindle 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It does not take too long for uncooked chicken to spoil. I would not take a chance on having it cause you and whoever else eats it have food poisoning.
Unless you house stayed well below 40 degrees, I wouldn't take a chance.
Sorry about the power outages, we have been having a lot of them lately with the severe storms and wind. Not the best of occurrences.
Good luck and have a good night.
2007-03-09 12:38:32 · answer #6 · answered by Sue F 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Its ok to cook it.
But you need to make sure its completely done with enough heat (it kills the germs for sure)
Plus you carefully need to clean everything that came in touch with the rare chicken, so the germs wont spread.
Maybe you dont know this, but sometimes meat isnt prepared while its fresh but it gets hung off for about a week before its fried and eaten. By that time its actually somewhat rotten, but it helps digesting the food (humans arent carnivores)
2007-03-09 12:37:17 · answer #7 · answered by ganja_claus 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think it would be a bad idea to cook it. even tho the Chicken appeared to stsy cold it is still possible that it has areas that are warm. You could end up gettinmg sick. Easier to buy a new one just to be on the safe side. Regardless of the food...When in doubt... Throw it out...
2007-03-09 12:36:08 · answer #8 · answered by Terry R 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You shoulb fine, just cook it well. People do live in places where there aren't any fridges, and a day in a cold climate is fine.
If it was hot out and the chicken smelled funny.....
2007-03-09 12:38:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You don't need food poisoning so don't take a chance on eating it. Throw out the chicken to be safe.
2007-03-09 12:39:42 · answer #10 · answered by ne11 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋