Freezing chicken is a great way to reduce food waste and extend the shelf life of your meat. However, defrosting it improperly to speed up the food preparation process leads to unsafe food and poor quality. Instead of leaving chicken out on the counter, use one of the following three defrosting methods to ensure food safety and quality as you cook.
How to Thaw Chicken Video
Watch the following video to learn how to thaw chicken using one of the three safe methods.
Best Way to Defrost Chicken
The best way to defrost chicken is to place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator. Though this is the slowest method, it keeps the chicken out of the temperature danger zone and prevents bacteria and pathogen growth. If you choose this method, plan accordingly so the chicken has plenty of time to thaw.
- Place the frozen chicken in a freezer bag or rimmed, covered container.
- Put the container on the lowest refrigerator shelf to prevent cross-contamination.
- Let it sit in the refrigerator for 5 hours per pound of meat.
- When you're ready to cook it, carefully remove it from the fridge to prevent juices from spilling.
How Long Can Thawed Chicken Stay in the Fridge?
Thawed chicken lasts for up to 2 days in the refrigerator safely. If you cook the chicken immediately after thawing it, you can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days before it spoils.
How Long Does It Take To Defrost Chicken in the Fridge
It generally takes 24 hours to defrost chicken in the refrigerator. However, the size of the chicken cuts affects this time. To get a precise timeframe, assume each pound of meat will take 5 hours to thaw. If you have 10 lbs. of chicken, it will take 48 to 50 hours to thaw completely.
How to Defrost Chicken Fast
If you don't have time to defrost chicken in the refrigerator, you can thaw it quickly in a cold water bath. Though some might be tempted to use hot water for faster results, these warmer temperatures expose the chicken to bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses. Only use cold water and ice cubes to keep the thawing chicken out of the temperature danger zone.
- Place frozen chicken in airtight packaging, such as leakproof freezer bags.
- Fill a large container with cold water and submerge the package inside. Make sure the water completely covers the chicken.
- Replace the water at 30-minute intervals to ensure it stays cold.
- Remove the chicken from the cold water bath once it thaws and cook it immediately.
How Long Does It Take To Defrost Chicken in Water?
It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to defrost a whole chicken in a cold water bath, especially if it weighs more than 3 lbs. However, a 1 lb. package of chicken breasts or thighs could take less than an hour to thaw. Break apart cuts if they stick together to shorten the defrosting time.
How to Defrost Chicken in the Microwave
Defrosting chicken in the microwave is risky but still a viable option. Most microwaves have a setting for defrosting meat, so refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions on using that feature for chicken. If you do not have a defrosting option, set your microwave to 30% of its full power. Leaving the chicken in the microwave for too long or on the wrong setting can make the meat unsafe to eat and might leave areas where it already started cooking.
When thawing chicken in the microwave, follow these tips to get the best results.
- Only thaw a few pieces at once for even defrosting.
- Check the chicken consistently to monitor the defrosting process. Some experts recommend checking it after every minute.
- Place it in a microwave-safe container during thawing. Use a bowl or lipped container to prevent juices from escaping.
- To prevent uneven thawing, rotate the meat occasionally.
- Cook the defrosted chicken immediately - do not refreeze or refrigerate it for later.
- Thoroughly clean the microwave after the process finishes.
How Long Does It Take To Defrost Chicken in the Microwave?
Defrosting time varies depending on your microwave's available power and the size of the cut. Generally, the process takes 7 to 8 minutes per pound of meat.
Frozen Chicken FAQ
To help you defrost chicken safely, check out our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about frozen chicken.
Can You Refreeze Chicken?
Refreezing chicken within two days of thawing is safe and acceptable if you defrost it correctly the first time. If the chicken has an internal temperature between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more, do not refreeze it. If you thawed the chicken using the microwave or cold water, do not refreeze it unless you cooked it first.
While refreezing chicken is safe, it negatively impacts the meat's taste and texture. It compromises protein cells and adds extra moisture to the chicken. We recommend only freezing chicken once to ensure you serve the best quality dish to customers.
How Long Is Frozen Chicken Good for?
Frozen chicken has a very long shelf life. Raw chicken cuts have a 9-month freezer shelf life, while raw whole chickens can last for a year frozen. Cooked chicken has a shorter shelf life, but you can keep it frozen for 2 to 6 months before using it.
After defrosting the chicken in the refrigerator, you can store it in the refrigerator for two days. If you thaw it using the microwave or water methods, you must cook the chicken before placing it in the fridge.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken?
You can cook frozen chicken safely using specific methods and extending the cooking time. Do not cook chicken in a microwave or crockpot without defrosting it first, as these methods expose it to unsafe temperatures for too long. As always, check that the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit or more before serving, and extend the cooking time if necessary to meet that benchmark.
Can You Defrost Chicken on the Counter?
No, you should never defrost chicken on the counter at room temperature. Thawing food at room temperature exposes it to the temperature danger zone for longer than guidelines permit. Harmful bacteria can contaminate your food, making it unsafe to eat even after cooking. Instead, use one of the three safe ways to defrost your chicken.
Thawing chicken correctly is crucial to maintaining food safety and ensuring the best quality of your poultry. Though you might be tempted to take shortcuts, patience yields the best results. Following proper thawing techniques prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and achieves tender, juicy chicken every time.
