Ground chicken is a great substitute for minced beef or pork in many recipes. It’s a healthier option that can be used in meatballs, pasta, tacos and casseroles.
If you’re not sure if the ground chicken is fresh, check to see if it has a mild smell of raw chicken or hasn’t been refrigerated for more than 2 hours. If you do notice a smell, it’s best to discard the chicken and replace it with fresh ground meat.
When ground chicken is good, it should be light pink in color and flecked with white. Any discoloration or dullness is a sign that it’s spoiled and should be discarded as soon as possible.
It should be firm and non-sticky, with no moisture or sliminess to it. It should also have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when cooked.
Another important factor in determining whether the ground chicken is fresh is to check its texture. If the chicken feels spongy, it’s likely contaminated with bacteria.
The safest way to tell if the chicken is ready for cooking is to use a thermometer. This will help ensure the meat has been properly cooked and killed any harmful bacteria that may be present.
The chicken should be white when cut open, and the juices should run clear. If the juices are pink or red, it is not cooked properly and should be thrown out. This type of chicken should be cooked longer to make sure the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
