AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question Is there any problem barbecuing a whole stuffed chicken or turkey...i think i read somewhere you shouldn't but can't really remember...should only barbecue it unstuffed
Answer Hi Paul,
When you stuff a chicken or turkey you need to make sure that the stuffing ingredients are not placed in the bird until you are ready for cooking (either BBQ, baking or roasting). Stuffing ingredients tend to be moist, potentially hazardous foods -- eggs, meat, etc -- and these foods when placed in the cavity of the bird make it more difficult for the meat next to the stuffing to reach the proper temperature (at least 165 degrees).
You can bbq a whole stuffed chicken or turkey -- just make sure that the stuffing ingredients reach at least 165 degrees (the thigh will probably be 180 degrees).
I hope this answers your question. If you should have additional questions, please let me know.
Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension
