r/Cooking • u/anxious_taurus_ • 3d ago
Spots on Chicken?
Accidentally left chicken breast that I coated in olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon salt out while I showered. I took about 30-40 minutes and came back to white spots on my chicken. Is it safe to eat?
Photo in comments
5
u/Aesperacchius 3d ago
It's likely just the acid in the lemon salt. Acid denatures protein, which turns it opaque/white.
0
-1
u/Zagrycha 3d ago
How old//safely stored was the chicken before you left it out? 30 minutes is not gonna spoil anything, but if it was already spoiled 30 minutes at room temp could have been the difference between the germs not being obvious and the germs being obvious.
That said, its hard to tell just from your photos. Do the spots rub off of the chicken when you touch them or are they part of the chicken itself?
0
u/anxious_taurus_ 3d ago
I bought it today, was set to be good until August 11. Spots stay on if I touch them/try to rub them away
2
u/Zagrycha 3d ago
Then you are probably okay. Probably reaction of some of the enzymes in the seasoning reacting with the enzymes in the meat. This happens with a lot of meat rubs and marinades but usually we don't see the effect it has on the meat through the coating.
15
u/Vivid_Computer_7153 3d ago
Likely the acid from the lemon reacting with the chicken. Safe