How to remove chemicals from supermarket chicken: revelations from a slaughterhouse worker

Chicken is a staple in our meals: roasted, grilled, in a sauce, or in a salad, it’s a welcome addition to all kinds of recipes. But one question often comes up: should you clean it before cooking? Because behind its apparent simplicity lies a lesser-known reality… Some chickens from factory farms may contain residues from chemical treatments. So, how can you make your chicken more natural without making things complicated?

What supermarket chicken is hiding

On the shelf, the pinkish chicken breasts and shiny thighs look like they came straight from a traditional farm. Yet, in industrial production, some meats may contain traces of substances used for preservation or hygiene.

This can include saline solutions (to tenderize the meat), cleaning products used in slaughterhouses, or preservatives intended to extend shelf life.

Nothing alarming—these practices are strictly regulated—but many consumers prefer to limit these additives in their diet. Good news: a few simple steps are all it takes to  purify your chicken  before cooking it.

The right steps for a cleaner and healthier chicken

A former slaughterhouse worker says that a good home cleaning makes all the difference. Here’s her simple and effective method: