Can I Eat Sliced Chicken During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Pre-packaged or deli-sliced chicken may contain Listeria if not heated before eating.
🔥 Risk Level: Low if freshly cooked, but high if eaten cold from the deli or fridge.
✅ Safe Practices: Opt for freshly cooked or reheated sliced chicken. Avoid cold deli-style slices unless heated until steaming.
Sliced chicken is a popular and convenient protein source, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and salads. But during pregnancy, it’s important to know how that chicken was prepared—and whether it’s safe to eat cold.
The risk with deli-style or pre-packaged sliced chicken isn’t the meat itself, but rather how it’s processed, stored, and served. Like other ready-to-eat deli meats, sliced chicken can potentially harbor Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium that poses a higher risk during pregnancy.
Understanding the Risk: Listeria and Cold Sliced Chicken
Listeria is a foodborne bacterium that can grow at refrigerator temperatures and may contaminate pre-cooked, ready-to-eat poultry, including sliced chicken.
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. Because immune systems are altered during pregnancy, it is harder for pregnant women to fight off infections.
Source: FDA
Consuming Listeria-contaminated food while pregnant can lead to:
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Premature labor
Serious newborn illness
Even if the chicken was fully cooked during processing, Listeria can still be introduced during slicing and packaging.
What Kind of Sliced Chicken Is Safe?
Not all sliced chicken is risky—here’s how to choose safer options:
✅ Safe:
Freshly grilled, baked, or roasted chicken that you prepare at home
Sliced chicken that has been reheated until steaming hot (165°F / 74°C)
Chicken in hot meals like soups, casseroles, or stir-fries
⚠️ Avoid:
Deli counter chicken that’s served cold
Pre-packaged sliced chicken breast from the refrigerated aisle
Rotisserie chicken slices that have cooled
Best Practices for Enjoying Sliced Chicken Safely
If you enjoy sliced chicken regularly, follow these tips:
Always reheat deli or pre-sliced chicken until steaming hot
Eat sliced chicken right after cooking—don’t let it sit in the fridge for days
Avoid chicken salad or cold chicken wraps from delis unless the chicken was freshly cooked
Use a meat thermometer to ensure reheated meats reach safe temperatures
Safe Meal Ideas with Sliced Chicken
Grilled chicken and veggie panini
Warm chicken pasta or rice bowl
Chicken quesadilla or wrap, grilled until hot
Hot chicken soup or stew
These options allow you to enjoy the taste and convenience of sliced chicken—without the safety risks.
Conclusion: Heat Is Key to Chicken Safety
Sliced chicken is safe during pregnancy—if it’s freshly cooked or thoroughly reheated. Avoid cold deli meat versions and always aim to eat it hot to lower the risk of Listeria. A little extra caution goes a long way in keeping you and your baby healthy.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
Reference: https://www.fda.gov/food/health-educators/listeria-food-safety-moms-be
