Those unsettling purple blotches are usually far less sinister than they look. In most cases, they’re the result of myoglobin and bone marrow pigments shifting during freezing and thawing, especially in younger birds with porous bones. As ice crystals form and melt, they can rupture tiny cells, letting dark marrow seep into nearby tissue and stain it a deep purple or red. That discoloration can look like bruising or rot, but when the chicken has been kept cold, smells clean, and feels moist rather than slimy, it’s typically a cosmetic issue, not a safety threat.

The real danger isn’t the color; it’s time, temperature, and bacteria. Trust your nose and fingers before your eyes: sour or ammonia odors, tacky or slippery texture, and gray‑green tones mean it’s not worth saving. When in doubt, throw it out. When it passes those checks, cook it to 165°F (74°C), serve it proudly, and let the blotches go.