The ideal strategy for defrosting frozen chicken is to do so under controlled conditions to preserve taste and safety standards. It is not recommended to thaw foods at room temperature. If you don’t plan on consuming the frozen chicken straight out of the freezer, the subsequent table lists the safest methods for thawing, keeping safety as a priority:
| Method | Thawing Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Roughly 24 to 48 hours | Planning ahead 1 to 2 days. |
| Cold Water | About 1 to 2 hours | Preparing ahead a couple of hours. |
| Microwave | Approximately 2 to 4 minutes | Thawing if low on time. |
How to Defrost Chicken
In The Fridge
- Plan ahead & begin the thawing process roughly 1 day before you need to cook it.
- Place in the refrigerator.
- Let chicken sit for about 24 to 48 hours (varies by the size and cut of the chicken).
- Check to make sure your chicken has fully thawed by pressing on the package. If it still feels firm, leave it for a couple more hours.
The refrigerator method isn’t fast enough if you want to eat your chicken within the next few hours. Instead, you should use cold water or a microwave to defrost quicker.
In Cold Water
- Fill a bowl with enough cold water to fully submerge the chicken.
- If the frozen chicken package floats, place a heavy dish on top to keep it submerged.
- Place the cold water bowl in the refrigerator.
- Check on the chicken after roughly 30 minutes by pressing on the package. If it’s still firm, continue thawing for another 30 minutes. Chicken defrosts in about 1 hour per pound in cold water.
- After chicken is thawed, cook it right away.
Cook all of the defrosted chicken immediately. It is generally not safe to refreeze chicken that was thawed using cold water or microwave methods. By the end of the process, the internal temperature will be within the safe eating zone.
In The Microwave
- Remove any plastic wrapping and place the frozen chicken on a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover it with a microwaveable paper towel to absorb any juices and prevent a messy microwave.
- Use the ‘Defrost’ button and set the timer for 2 to 4 minutes (for a pound of chicken).
- Check on the chicken in 1-minute increments because every microwave uses different power levels for their ‘Defrost’ feature.
- After the microwave thaws your chicken, cook immediately.
Microwaves are the fastest way to defrost chicken. Pay close attention to the ‘Defrost’ setting to avoid beginning the cooking process.
Incorrect usage of the microwave’s ‘Defrost’ settings can lead to cooked edges and a raw center, which is dangerous.
How Long Can You Freeze Chicken For?
You can freeze chicken for up to 12 months safely. Never refreeze chicken that has already been thawed in cold water or a microwave. Learning how to freeze chicken correctly helps avoid foodborne illnesses after thawing. While freezing increases storage life, consuming within a few months is best for texture and flavor.
Over an extended period in the freezer, chicken may experience texture changes and flavor loss; fresher is typically better.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Without Thawing It?
Yes, you can cook it frozen. Cooking time will be longer.
It’s possible to cook frozen chicken directly, especially in stews or when baking. Just make sure it reaches the right internal temperature.
| Method | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Baking | Can bake from frozen; increase cooking time by 50%. |
| Boiling | Boil in broth or water; check doneness thoroughly. |
| Pressure Cooking | Frozen chicken works well; adjust cooking time. |
It’s completely safe to put frozen chicken in the oven or a pressure cooker directly from the freezer, though it may not be the best for flavor.