What is the recommended interval for changing the water used for cooking chicken?

The recommended interval for changing the water used for cooking chicken is important for maintaining food safety and quality. Changing the water every hour helps ensure that the temperature of the chicken remains safe for cooking, prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, and maintains the quality of the meat.

When cooking chicken, especially in situations involving sous-vide or similar methods where the chicken may be kept in water for extended periods, it’s essential to change the water regularly to keep it fresh and to avoid any potential spoilage. An hour is a practical timeframe that balances safety with the practicality of regularly monitoring cooking conditions.

Using any of the other suggested intervals, such as every 30 minutes would be excessive, and longer intervals could allow for potential bacterial growth in warmer temperatures, which increases the risk of foodborne illness.