What To Do If You Have Green Chicken
If you’re looking at raw chicken before cooking and get green meat found in the package, here’s what I would recommend:
If it’s store-bought and still within date: Get a quick pic, keep the receipt, and take it back for an exchange or a refund. Most stores will do this readily, especially if it’s known issues like bruising or Green Muscle Disease.
If you have cooked chicken and just discovered green meat inside: Smell and feel the chicken like I mentioned earlier. If it has a clean smell and clean feel, it may be safe, but you have to decide for yourself.
It has odor, slime, or any strange characteristics beyond just the green color: Toss it in the trash. Don’t take chances with food poisoning. Chicken is not a good food to go betting on.
How To Avoid Green Chicken Next Time
Here are a few ways to avoid the green meat surprise next time:
Buy from a reputable source. This isn’t foolproof, but you will generally have better handling and less rough handling of animals, which results in bruising and damage from quality stores.
Check the meat before cooking. Especially true if you are working with whole birds or bone-in breasts. Look for strange color or areas of discoloration.
Store it properly. Keep raw chicken cold, below 40°F (4°C). Cook it or freeze it before the use-by date.
Don’t let raw chicken sit for days in your refrigerator. This is how spoilage creeps in. I personally try to cook mine within a day or two of buying it, or else it goes in the freezer.
Don’t cross-contaminate. Green or not, raw chicken can spread harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Keep it clear of veggies, and always wash hands and work surfaces.
Having green chicken meat on your plate is kind of shocking, eh? I know that feeling. But not all green means trash. Sometimes it is just bruised or Green Muscle Disease, and while not tasty, it does not mean it is poisonous if properly cooked. On the other hand though, if you get odor or slime or stickiness or anything like that, do yourself a favor and throw it away.
When in doubt, toss it out. Your stomach (and gut) will be thankful.
Stay safe and trust your senses. Here’s to future chicken dinners without any surprises!
