Chicken is a delicious addition to any meal, and is among the most readily available proteins. Defrosting frozen chicken is easy, but it has to be done right. Here are the safe steps for thawing frozen chicken.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Defrosting in the Fridge
Step 1. Remove the frozen chicken from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator
This is the safest way to thaw frozen chicken, but will take longer than other methods.
Place frozen chicken in front of the bottom shelf while thawing, this will prevent excess water from hitting other foods in the refrigerator. When the chicken is unwrapped, place it in a saucepan or bowl so the water doesn't spill
Step 2. Keep an eye on defrosting time
The standard rule says that 1 pound (0.453 Kg) of frozen chicken takes 5 hours to thaw in the refrigerator.
Keep in mind that thawing frozen whole chicken in the refrigerator can take more than 24 hours. Plan carefully
Step 3. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator when it has melted
The chicken is no longer covered in ice and will be slippery to the touch.
See if the whole chicken has melted, by placing your hand on the main cavity of the chicken. If there are ice crystals in the chicken, the chicken will need to thaw longer
Step 4. Store the thawed chicken in the refrigerator
Frozen chicken that has been thawed is safe to store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Thawed frozen chicken should not be refrozen.
Store thawed frozen chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken free of bacteria for a longer period of time
Method 2 of 3: Defrosting in the Sink
Step 1. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag (open-closed bag) if it is not already wrapped
This bag will prevent bacteria from contaminating the chicken during the defrosting process. Also to prevent bacteria from contaminating the sink.
Step 2. Take a bowl that can hold all the chickens
Make sure the bowl is large enough, as the chicken should be completely submerged in the water.
Step 3. Put the Ziploc chicken in a bowl and fill the bowl with cold water
Make sure that the top of the chicken is covered.
Do not use hot water. Hot water can stimulate the growth of bacteria
Step 4. Change the water every 30 minutes
One pound (0.45 kg) of frozen chicken can be thawed in about an hour.
If you thaw a frozen whole chicken, it will take a little longer. Three pounds (1.36 kg) of frozen chicken should be thawed for 3 hours or more
Step 5. Cook all the chicken before putting it back in the refrigerator
Raw chicken thawed using this method cannot be stored again even if it is still raw.
Method 3 of 3: Microwave Defrosting
Step 1. Unwrap the chicken pieces
Place the chicken in the microwave bowl so that water doesn't leak out while the chicken is defrosting.
Step 2. Keep in mind that putting the chicken in the microwave will put the chicken in the 'Danger Zone'
Chicken that is thawed for too long will warm up and become more open to bacterial growth.
Avoid thawing whole frozen chicken in the microwave, as there is a higher risk of whole chicken entering the 'Danger Zone'. Defrosting frozen whole chicken in the microwave will also remove the nutritious and delicious elements of the chicken
Step 3. Place the bowl in the microwave
Set the microwave to defrost. If you don't know how long to defrost, thaw the meat for two minutes. Let stand for a minute and then watch the progress of defrosting.
Make sure that the chicken doesn't start to warm up
Step 4. Immediately cook the chicken
You'll want to cook all thawed frozen chicken in this method before putting it back in the refrigerator.
Tips
The lower the temperature for thawing frozen chicken, the less likely harmful bacteria will grow on the chicken meat
Warning
- Avoid thawing frozen chicken at room temperature on the kitchen counter, as leaving chicken at room temperature for too long is at risk for bacterial growth.
- Frozen whole chicken doesn't thaw well in the microwave. You can still use this method for whole chickens, but the risk of bacterial growth will be higher.
- Keep the kitchen clean so as not to contaminate the chicken.
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken.
- Be sure to rinse the chicken in warm water before cooking.
- Be sure to cook the chicken before eating it, so that harmful bacteria will die.
