How the mysterious white goo on cooked chicken works: a Iook into the science behind it

Some people have reported seeing a weird, white gel-like material come out of chicken when cooking it. Questions about its nature, safety, and potential prevention measures have arisen since this phenomena has baffled many.

The information you provided is not valid. Please check the field format and try again.

Your subscription is confirmed.

Exclusive Recipes, Delivered to Your Inbox!

Subscribe to receive delicious recipes, cooking tips, and easy meal ideas every week! 📨

See your email address to register.

SIGN ME UP!

What exactly is the white goo?

The good news is that the white substance is a normal byproduct of cooking chicken and is totally harmless. So, what is it, and why does it show up, precisely?

Researchers in the field of food science have determined that the white substance is really the chicken’s released water and proteins when they cook. The muscular fibers in the meat contract and draw out the liquid inside when it is heated. A white solid forms from this liquid while the protein cooks.

Like how the color and texture of cooked egg whites change, the white gunk is really compressed beef fluids.

What Makes Some Varieties of Chicken More Prone to This?

Read more on next page