What Happens if You Cook Chicken With the Giblets Still Inside?

By: Tremaine Jackson

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Giblets refer to the heart, liver and gizzard of a poultry carcass. These are typically sold packaged together and tucked into the bird's central cavity, along with neck bones. While these parts are edible, most people discard them or freeze them until they need them for a specific recipe, such as holiday stuffing. If you accidentally cook a whole bird with the giblets still inside, this isn't necessarily a problem.

Discard or Keep?

Giblets are often wrapped in paper, and accidentally cooking them in their paper wrapping inside of the bird poses no harm. Giblets are also occasionally packaged in plastic, however. During cooking, the melting plastic may transfer unsafe chemicals to the bird. If this happens, discard the giblets and the bird. If cooking doesn't melt the plastic, the giblets and bird are safe to use as long as the cooked bird's internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.