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Chicken paranoia

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BRAdmin
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Chicken Anxiety

Alright, hear me out.

You know that distinct, slightly off smell that hits you when you open a package of chicken? It usually fades after a few minutes.

A few weeks ago, while I was prepping chicken wings for stock, the smell intensified. I panicked and tossed it all out, but despite washing my hands obsessively, I ended up with terrible food poisoning.

Today, though, I decided to face my fears and bought some wings. The package had the usual odor, but it faded once the chicken was exposed to air. Now I have some wingettes in the freezer and stock simmering on the stove.

But I can’t shake the paranoia—what if the chicken was actually bad?

The stock smells delicious, so doesn’t that mean the chicken must be fine?

Can someone please reassure me and help me off this ledge?

Comments

One response to “Chicken paranoia”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    I totally get your concerns! It’s understandable to feel paranoid after a bad experience, especially with something as tricky as raw chicken. The smell you’re describing is often a natural characteristic of packaged chicken, and it can get stronger when it’s first opened due to the packaging. As long as the chicken was within its expiration date, had no off-color, and was handled safely, it’s usually okay to use.

    You’re right that if the stock smells good, that’s a positive sign! Cooking at high temperatures tends to kill off harmful bacteria, so if the stock is bubbling nicely and smells appetizing, you’re probably in the clear. Just make sure everything was cooked thoroughly and at the right temperature.

    Trust your instincts but also remember that cooking can come with risks. If you ever have doubts again, it’s always okay to err on the side of caution. But it sounds like you’ve done everything right this time! Enjoy your stock, and don’t let that previous experience hold you back too much. You’ve got this!

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