How to Defrost Chicken Quickly & Safely

Here are three safe ways to defrost chicken to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety.

• How it works: Place the chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag or container to prevent juices from contaminating other foods, and put it on a plate or tray in the refrigerator.

• Time needed:
  • Small cuts: 24 hours
  • Whole chicken: 24-48 hours

• Pros: Maintains a safe temperature (below 4°C) throughout the process, preserving quality and safety.

• Best for: Meal prep in advance, especially large cuts or whole chickens.

• How it works: Submerge the chicken in a leak-proof bag in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.

• Time needed:

  • Small cuts: 1-2 hours

  • Whole chicken: 3-4 hours

• Pros: Faster than refrigeration while still safe if water is kept cold.

• Best for: Same-day cooking when time is limited.

• How it works: Use the defrost setting on your microwave, checking and flipping the chicken every few minutes to ensure even thawing.

• Time needed: A few minutes, depending on size and microwave power.

• Pros: Quickest method.

• Caution: Some areas may begin to cook, so the chicken should be cooked immediately after defrosting.

• Leaving chicken at room temperature: This can allow bacteria to grow as the surface temperature rises above the safe limit.

• Hot water thawing: Causes uneven defrosting and bacterial growth.

To tell if chicken is properly defrosted, check both the appearance and texture. The chicken should feel pliable with no hard, icy spots, especially in the thickest parts. Gently press the meat – if it’s fully thawed, it should give slightly under pressure without resistance.

For a whole chicken, check inside the cavity to ensure no ice remains. The outside of the chicken should be cool to the touch but not ice-cold. Properly defrosted chicken will have a uniform, soft texture throughout.

The time it takes to defrost chicken depends on the method used and the size of the chicken.

Using the refrigerator (the safest method) chicken breasts or small pieces take about 24 hours, while a whole chicken may require 24-48 hours. The cold water method is faster, defrosting small cuts in 1-2 hours and a whole chicken in 3-4 hours. The microwave is the quickest option, defrosting small cuts in minutes and a whole chicken in 10-15 minutes, though it may start cooking in some areas, so make sure to cook it immediately after thawing.

Yes, you can thaw chicken in cold water as long as it is done safely. Place the chicken in a leak-proof bag to prevent contamination, then submerge it in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe temperature. Never use hot water, as it can cause uneven thawing and promote bacterial growth. Cook the chicken immediately after thawing with this method.

To defrost chicken quickly, use the microwave method outlined above. This is the quickest way to do so safely.

If you don’t have a microwave, the process will be more time-consuming. The cold water method is your best bet, but this still takes significantly longer.

Top tip: cut up your chicken before freezing (where possible) for a quicker thawing process.

Cooked chicken is often more delicate and prone to drying out, so slower methods like defrosting in the refrigerator are preferable to preserve its texture and moisture. While the cold water method is safe for both, it’s less commonly used for cooked chicken as it can impact the flavour and consistency. Whichever method you use, it’s essential to reheat cooked chicken to 74°C for food safety.

No, it’s not safe or recommended to defrost chicken in an air fryer. Air fryers are designed to cook food by circulating hot air, which doesn’t provide controlled or even temperatures necessary for safe thawing.

Yes, you can refreeze defrosted chicken, but it depends on how it was thawed. Chicken thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen if it hasn’t been left out for more than a day. However, chicken thawed using quicker methods like cold water or a microwave should not be refrozen unless it has been cooked first, as these methods can encourage bacterial growth. Keep in mind that refreezing raw chicken may affect its texture, making it slightly drier when cooked.

Once you've safely defrosted your chicken, discover our best chicken recipes, including:

• "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo
• Cashew Green Chicken
• Ginger Chicken Sesame Rice