How best to Handle, Cook & Store your chicken

Chicken is a staple in many UK kitchens – versatile, nutritious and delicious. But like all fresh poultry, it needs to be handled, cooked and stored correctly to keep it safe to eat.

At Herb Fed Poultry, quality and care are at the heart of everything we do, and that extends to how our chicken is treated once it reaches your kitchen. This simple guide walks you through the essentials of chicken safety, from fridge to fork.

 

Handling Chicken Safely

 

 

Keep It Clean: Raw chicken can carry bacteria so good kitchen hygiene is essential.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw chicken
• Use separate boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods
• Clean chopping boards, knives and surfaces straight away

Top tip: Never wash raw chicken. Splashing water can spread bacteria around your sink and worktops.

 

 

 

 

Store It Properly

 

When you bring your Herb Fed chicken home, store it in the fridge as soon as possible.

 

• Keep raw chicken on the bottom shelf to prevent drips
• Store at 0–5°C
• Use by the date on the packaging
• If freezing, freeze on the day of purchase and defrost thoroughly in the fridge

 

 

 

Browse Herb Fed Recipes

 

 

 

Cooking Chicken Safely

 

Correct cooking temperatures: Chicken must be cooked all the way through to be safe. In the UK, the recommended core temperature is:

 

• 75°C for at least 30 seconds

 

If you don’t have a thermometer, check that:

 

• The juices run clear from deep within the meat.
• The meat is piping hot throughout
• There is no pink meat, especially near the bone

 

Herb Fed chicken is naturally full of flavour thanks to its herb-fed diet, so simple cooking methods work beautifully while still ensuring safety.

 

 

 

 

Storing Cooked Chicken

 

Cooling and Refridgeration: Once cooked…

 

• Allow chicken to cool within 1–2 hours
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge
• Eat within 2–3 days

 

Reheating

 

• Reheat until steaming hot all the way through
• Only reheat once

 

 

 

 

Why Quality Matters

 

Starting with high-quality poultry makes a real difference. Herb Fed chickens, raised with care and a unique herb-fed diet, offer not only exceptional flavour but also peace of mind when handled and cooked correctly.

“Good chicken deserves good care in the kitchen. Simple handling, proper cooking and thoughtful storage help you get the very best from Herb Fed Poultry – safely and deliciously.”
Edward & Emma, Herb Fed Poultry

 

 

 

 

 

Quick Q&A

 

Can I freeze Herb Fed chicken?

Yes. Freeze before the use-by date and defrost fully in the fridge before cooking. Any chicken that is frozen will be labelled as such.

 

How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?

Usually 1–2 days, or until the use-by date on the packaging.

 

Is pink chicken always unsafe?

Yes. Chicken should never be eaten if it’s pink or undercooked.

 

Do I need a thermometer?

It’s recommended for peace of mind, but clear juices and steaming hot meat are good indicators.

 

 

Handled with care, cooked properly and stored correctly, Herb Fed chicken is a safe, wholesome and delicious choice for every table.

 

Take a look at the Herb Fed Cooking Guide here…