How to Defrost Chicken
Learn how to defrost chicken safely, quickly, and easily! Check out the 3 methods that work and learn what doesn't work at all!
Yield: 1 pound
Instructions
How to Defrost Chicken in the Fridge
- Remove chicken from freezer and place on a plate or in a bowl. Place in fridge until thawed throughout.
How to Defrost Chicken in Water
- Remove chicken from freezer and place in bag or leave if in a thin, plastic package already. Submerge bag of frozen chicken in cold water, using a heavy object to keep it underneath the surface of the water.
- Every 30 minutes, dump the water and replace with fresh cold water until chicken is thawed throughout.
How to Defrost Chicken in the Microwave
- Take frozen chicken out of packaging and place on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Heat on "Defrost" setting for 2 minutes per pound. If you do not have a defrost setting, heat at 30-50% power.
Notes
Chicken frozen separately in smaller pieces will thaw quicker than chicken frozen together or as large pieces. Thawing on the countertop is not considered safe as the surface of the chicken spends too much time at dangerous, bacteria-growing temperatures.