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If you notice purple spots on your chicken breasts, don’t panic. These purple blotches are often natural color variations caused by myoglobin or bone marrow leakage—especially common when frozen chicken thaws. They are usually harmless and don’t mean the chicken is unsafe.
However, always follow proper food safety guidelines. Check for off smells, slimy texture, or any other unusual signs. If the chicken looks, smells, and feels normal aside from the purple spots, it is safe to cook.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (fresh or thawed)
Instructions:
- Inspect the chicken for any strong, unpleasant odor or slimy texture.
- Rinse under cold water if desired and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Cook chicken thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Purple spots under the skin are normal and do not need to be removed.
Tips:
- Freezing and thawing can sometimes cause minor discoloration due to bone marrow or myoglobin leakage.
- Always cook chicken to the proper internal temperature to ensure safety.
- When in doubt, trust your senses—smell, texture, and color are your best indicators.
- Avoid cross-contamination by cleaning surfaces and utensils after handling raw chicken.