Safe Way to Pack Fried Chicken for a Picnic

Fried chicken is enjoyed by all at picnics across the country.

As the weather gets warmer and summer approaches, many people enjoy entertaining outdoors by having a picnic with friends and family members. Fried chicken is a big part of most picnics and learning how to pack your fried chicken properly so it is fresh and edible when you arrive at your picnic destination is a must before eating outdoors.

Instructions

1. Make fried chicken at home or purchase it from the grocery store or a fast food establishment that specializes in fried chicken. Prepare a large amount of fried chicken or buy a bucket of chicken so that everyone in your picnic party is able to enjoy a few pieces. Make or purchase a good variety such as drumsticks, wings, thighs and breasts.

2. Cool fried chicken on the counter for one hour and then pack into a plastic container with a sealed lid and put in the refrigerator. You may also wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator.

3. Pack your picnic basket and place your fried chicken at the top of the basket. Make sure it is thoroughly chilled and place an ice pack near the chicken, but not on it. Fried chicken is best served cold at a picnic and you want to make sure it stays cold while you are transporting it to your picnic destination.

4. Pack the plastic container at the bottom of your picnic basket or wrap your chicken in a loose cloth napkin so it does not transfer grease onto other food or items in your picnic basket. Keep the picnic basket in the car with you and do not store in a hot car trunk. Place your picnic basket in a shaded area when you reach your picnic destination, and make sure the fried chicken is not sitting out for more than two hours before being eaten.

References

• Professors House: Food to Pack in a Picnic
• Crisco: Family Picnic
• Gadling; Barbecue and Picnic Tips; Laurel Miller; June 2011