Can you brown chicken without cooking through and still have it be safe?

Question

I found a crockpot recipe that calls for you to brown the chicken before putting it in the crockpot. I'd like to brown the chicken at night, then assemble the crockpot to put in the frig so that my kids can pull it out the next day and put it on while I'm at work. But I'm not sure if there's a bacteria growth issue or any other reason why this wouldn't be a safe thing to do.

Answer 1

I'm with Butterfly Lover on this one!  When I have done this in the past, i.e., assembling the night before, I've put the protein in a separate container and then just added the meat when ready to plug the crockpot in.

Answer 2

It sounds okay to me, because you will cook the chicken through in the crockpot the next day. As long as the chicken stays in the fridge after browning, it should be fine.

Good idea!

Answer 3

You can surely brown it the night before, but I would not add it to the other ingredients until you are ready to start the crock pot.  I may be overly cautious, but you wouldn't stuff a turkey then store it overnight before cooking either.

Answer 4

Chicken as most foul, needs to never be kept at room temp. Always wash it before you cook it. It is safe to rapidly brown chicken then put straight in the freezer to cool fast. once its cooled off, assemble the crock pot and put in cooler again. In the am, take the crock pot out and plug it in on low. It will cook all day and be great!

Good luck.

Answer 5

If it is put in the fridge and cooked later it should  be alright.

Answer 6

Yes, it would be safe. You should just keep it in a temperature around 32 - 34 degrees Fahrenheit. you should also move it to the fridge fairly soon after it's done cooking and take it out after everything is ready for it to be cooked. That way bacteria won't be able to grow between being in the fridge and the cooking process. Hope this helps!