Ever forgotten to take out your chicken for dinner? Don’t fret! Here’s a guide to safely defrosting chicken in 3 ways, all approved by experts.
Safety First
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Salmonella is a real concern with raw chicken. So, no matter which method you choose, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Use a container to catch any leaks from the chicken.
- Disinfect surfaces that touch raw meat, like cutting boards and your sink.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken.
Method 1: The Reliable Fridge Thaw
This method is foolproof but requires planning ahead.
- Place the chicken in a container on the bottom shelf of your fridge. This keeps juices from dripping and maintains a consistent temperature.
- Allow at least 24 hours per 5 pounds of chicken.
- Bonus: This is the only USDA-approved method that allows refreezing! You can refreeze uncooked, thawed chicken within 2 days.
Method 2: The Speedy Water Bath
Need chicken fast? The water bath method is your best bet.
- Submerge the unopened package of chicken in a bowl of cool running water (ideally below 70°F).
- Keep the water flowing for faster thawing. Hot water isn’t more effective and can be unsafe.
- Depending on the size, your chicken can be ready in as little as 15 minutes!
Method 3: The Microwave in a Pinch
While safe, the microwave defrost setting should only be used in emergencies.
- This method requires immediate cooking after defrosting. No time delays!
- Microwaves can unevenly thaw meat, sometimes cooking the outside before the center is defrosted.
- We only recommend this for chicken that will be shredded or cooked in a lot of sauce.
With these tips, you can safely defrost chicken and get dinner back on track, no matter how much notice you have!