Have you ever noticed a strange, white gel-like substance seeping out of chicken as it cooks? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have observed this peculiar phenomenon and wondered what it is, whether it’s safe, and how to prevent it.

The good news is that this white substance is completely harmless and a natural byproduct of cooking chicken. But what exactly is it, and why does it appear?

According to food scientists, the white goo is made up of protein and water that are released from the meat as it cooks. When chicken is heated, the muscle fibers contract, forcing out the liquid they contain. As the protein in this liquid cooks, it solidifies into the white substance you see.

In other words, the white goo is simply condensed meat juices, similar to how egg whites change in color and texture when exposed to heat.

This substance tends to appear more frequently with certain types of chicken. Why? The answer lies in the processing and storage of the meat. For instance, frozen chicken is more likely to produce the white goo because the freezing process weakens the muscle fibers, allowing more liquid to escape during cooking.