can I eat chicken?
Chicken is safe and nutritious during pregnancy as long as it's cooked all the way through — no pink meat, and juices running clear. It's an excellent source of protein, B vitamins and choline.
why it matters
The only risks with chicken are bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter in undercooked meat, both of which are destroyed by thorough cooking. There's no mercury or cured-meat concern — chicken is one of the most straightforward proteins in pregnancy.
how to have it safely
Cook chicken to 74°C (165°F) or until no pink remains and juices run clear. Cold pre-cooked chicken slices are fine in the UK if pre-packed and in date; heat them if following US guidance.
worth knowing
- Don't wash raw chicken — it splashes bacteria around the kitchen; thorough cooking is what makes it safe.
- Cold rotisserie chicken that's been sitting out is riskier than freshly cooked — eat it hot or properly chilled soon after purchase.
- Pre-packed cooked chicken slices: fine cold in the UK; US guidance says heat until steaming.
- Chicken liver and chicken liver pâté are the exception — avoid them (vitamin A).
common questions
Can I eat cold cooked chicken while pregnant?
In the UK, yes — pre-packed cooked chicken kept chilled and in date is considered safe. US guidance advises heating cold sliced meats until steaming first.
What about chicken that's slightly pink near the bone?
Send it back or cook it longer. In pregnancy, chicken should always be cooked until no pink remains and juices run clear — pink near the bone means it needs more time.
also in meat
Aligned with guidance from the NHS, FDA and WHO. This is general information, not personal medical advice — check with your midwife or doctor about your own situation. How we write.