Clean your kitchen before you start cooking to reduce cross-contamination
Start with a clean workspace so you’re not spreading raw-food messes around while you cook.
Before prepping ingredients or turning on heat, clean and clear your counters and cooking area. A messy kitchen increases the chance you’ll move items around and accidentally cross-contaminate surfaces.
The short version
- Clean first to avoid spreading mess while cooking
- A clear workspace makes cooking easier and safer
What goes wrong
Starting to cook with cluttered/dirty counters
Do a quick reset: wipe counters, clear space, set out only what you need
Why it works
Less clutter and fewer dirty surfaces reduces opportunities for raw juices or dirty tools to contact ready-to-eat foods.
Learn next
Unplug the food processor before adjusting blades or troubleshooting assembly
If something seems wrong or you need to adjust parts, unplug the machine first to avoid accidental start-up.
Hand-wash and dry food processor parts before first use
Before using a new food processor, wash the removable parts by hand and dry them so they’re clean and ready to assemble safely.
Cook chicken to 165°F to ensure it’s safely done
Use an instant-read thermometer and aim for 165°F internal temperature to confirm chicken is fully cooked.
Check doneness near the bone for bone-in chicken
For bone-in chicken, measure internal temperature close to the bone because it cooks slower there.