![\"water](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/defrosting-w-drip-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow NOT<\/strong> to Defrost Chicken<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"defrosting](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/defrosting-on-counter-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBefore we get into how to thaw chicken fast, you should be aware of what you shouldn\u2019t do. According to the USDA<\/a>, when meat is at temperatures of 40\u2109 to 140\u2109 (the \u201cdanger zone\u201d), bacteria begins to multiply quickly. To avoid bacteria growth, which could make you sick, don\u2019t use these methods when defrosting chicken.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n- Leaving chicken out at room temperature to defrost<\/li>
- Putting chicken in a bowl of hot water or letting hot water run over chicken to defrost<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re reading this and thinking, \u201cI\u2019ve left chicken out and been fine.\u201d Yeah, I have too, but why not choose a safer and equally as quick method, right?
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Defrost Chicken Quickly and Easily<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that you know what not to do, here\u2019s how to quickly defrost chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Refrigerator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time to defrost: <\/strong>24 hours
<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is a good \u201cset it and forget it\u201d approach because even after the chicken defrosts in the fridge, you don\u2019t have to do anything with it until you\u2019re ready to cook it. Because the refrigerator isn\u2019t in the \u201cdanger zone\u201d temperatures we talked about, bacteria doesn\u2019t grow when the chicken is being defrosted making this method the safest.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To defrost chicken using the refrigerator method, simply move the amount of chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator and you\u2019re good to go. If you\u2019re concerned about the chicken leaking as it defrosts, place it in a bowl or plastic bag.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I typically cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and plan for a one to two pound piece to defrost in 24 hours. I\u2019ll take it out the night before I want to cook it, and by the time I\u2019m back from work the next day it\u2019s ready for my favorite chicken recipe.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you\u2019re defrosting a whole chicken or large pieces of chicken, plan for it to take longer. A good rule of thumb is to plan for it to take 24 hours for every five pounds of meat.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Long Can You Keep Thawed Chicken in the Refrigerator?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The USDA<\/a> says it\u2019s safe to keep thawed chicken in your refrigerator for one to two days after it has defrosted. Be sure to store your chicken on the bottom shelf, which is the coldest part of your refrigerator. Remember, hot air rises, cold air sinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn Cool Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time to defrost<\/strong>: 2 hours
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"defrosting](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/submerging-under-water-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you want to defrost chicken fast, placing it in a bowl of cold water is quicker than using the refrigerator method. However, you\u2019ll have to be more attentive.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure your chicken is in leak-proof packaging, like a plastic bag. Submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to prevent rapid bacteria growth. Note that while there won\u2019t be a concerning amount of bacteria growth, this method allows for some, meaning that the chicken should be cooked immediately after it\u2019s thawed.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The USDA says that a pound or less of meat will take about an hour, while three to five pounds will take two to three hours. When I\u2019m using this method, I\u2019ve found that it\u2019s best to plan for it to take two hours to defrost chicken breasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Microwave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time to defrost:<\/strong> varies
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"defrosting](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/defrosting-in-microwave-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis is my least favorite method. Let\u2019s be real, the defrost setting on the microwave is confusing and if you\u2019re not careful you can dry out your chicken or defrost it unevenly. Plus, you have to check on the chicken every couple minutes as it\u2019s defrosting.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defrosting using the microwave also may allow some parts of the chicken to get to \u201cdanger zone\u201d temperature, so you must cook the chicken immediately<\/strong>. If you must<\/em> use this method, here\u2019s how.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlace the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Use the defrost setting on your microwave, checking your chicken every one to two minutes to see if it\u2019s defrosted. The time it takes will vary depending on your microwave and the size of the chicken. Be careful that the chicken doesn\u2019t start to cook on the outside.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you Cook Frozen Chicken?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yes! If you don\u2019t want to spend the time defrosting your chicken, you can cook it from frozen.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I only cook frozen chicken in the crockpot because it allows the chicken to retain its moisture. Typically this takes about five hours on low.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also cook it from frozen using other methods. While the USDA says it takes 50% longer, I\u2019ve found that it typically takes even longer than this in the oven and the chicken comes out dry.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you Properly Freeze Chicken?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"vacuum](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/vacuum-sealing-chicken-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVacuum sealing is a great way to freeze any type of food (even apples<\/a>). However, if you don\u2019t have a vacuum sealer, a freezer bag will do. I like to individually wrap each chicken breast in cellophane before freezing so I don\u2019t have to defrost large quantities of chicken at a time (though this step is optional). Then, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag and remove all the air possible before placing it in the freezer.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Long Does Frozen Chicken Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"timer](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/how-long-will-it-last-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor the best taste and texture, the USDA<\/a> recommends the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n- 3-4 months<\/strong>: ground chicken, cooked chicken<\/li>
- 9 months<\/strong>: \u201cparts\u201d of a chicken (ex. breasts, thighs)<\/li>
- 12 months<\/strong>: whole chicken<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Can you Refreeze Chicken?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maybe \u2014 it depends on how you defrosted it. If you thawed your chicken in the refrigerator, you\u2019re in the clear and can refreeze chicken up to two days after it has thawed. If you defrosted chicken in cold water or in the microwave, you should cook that chicken immediately because that chicken was exposed to \u201cdanger zone\u201d temperatures and some bacteria likely formed. The taste and quality of chicken may not be as good if you refreeze it.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also freeze cooked chicken up to four days after it has been cooked, assuming it has been stored in the refrigerator properly and not left out on the counter for an extended period of time after it was cooked. Perishable foods should not be left on the counter for more than two hours<\/a>, and if your cooked chicken was out that long it may no longer be good.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nNow that you know how to defrost chicken fast, it\u2019s time to make your favorite chicken recipe! I\u2019ve been switching it up lately with different cuisines \u2014 halal chicken, teriyaki chicken, chicken tikka masala \u2014 the possibilities are endless.
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBefore we get into how to thaw chicken fast, you should be aware of what you shouldn\u2019t do. According to the USDA<\/a>, when meat is at temperatures of 40\u2109 to 140\u2109 (the \u201cdanger zone\u201d), bacteria begins to multiply quickly. To avoid bacteria growth, which could make you sick, don\u2019t use these methods when defrosting chicken. If you\u2019re reading this and thinking, \u201cI\u2019ve left chicken out and been fine.\u201d Yeah, I have too, but why not choose a safer and equally as quick method, right? Now that you know what not to do, here\u2019s how to quickly defrost chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time to defrost: <\/strong>24 hours This is a good \u201cset it and forget it\u201d approach because even after the chicken defrosts in the fridge, you don\u2019t have to do anything with it until you\u2019re ready to cook it. Because the refrigerator isn\u2019t in the \u201cdanger zone\u201d temperatures we talked about, bacteria doesn\u2019t grow when the chicken is being defrosted making this method the safest. To defrost chicken using the refrigerator method, simply move the amount of chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator and you\u2019re good to go. If you\u2019re concerned about the chicken leaking as it defrosts, place it in a bowl or plastic bag. I typically cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and plan for a one to two pound piece to defrost in 24 hours. I\u2019ll take it out the night before I want to cook it, and by the time I\u2019m back from work the next day it\u2019s ready for my favorite chicken recipe. However, if you\u2019re defrosting a whole chicken or large pieces of chicken, plan for it to take longer. A good rule of thumb is to plan for it to take 24 hours for every five pounds of meat. The USDA<\/a> says it\u2019s safe to keep thawed chicken in your refrigerator for one to two days after it has defrosted. Be sure to store your chicken on the bottom shelf, which is the coldest part of your refrigerator. Remember, hot air rises, cold air sinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time to defrost<\/strong>: 2 hours If you want to defrost chicken fast, placing it in a bowl of cold water is quicker than using the refrigerator method. However, you\u2019ll have to be more attentive. Make sure your chicken is in leak-proof packaging, like a plastic bag. Submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to prevent rapid bacteria growth. Note that while there won\u2019t be a concerning amount of bacteria growth, this method allows for some, meaning that the chicken should be cooked immediately after it\u2019s thawed. The USDA says that a pound or less of meat will take about an hour, while three to five pounds will take two to three hours. When I\u2019m using this method, I\u2019ve found that it\u2019s best to plan for it to take two hours to defrost chicken breasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time to defrost:<\/strong> varies This is my least favorite method. Let\u2019s be real, the defrost setting on the microwave is confusing and if you\u2019re not careful you can dry out your chicken or defrost it unevenly. Plus, you have to check on the chicken every couple minutes as it\u2019s defrosting. Defrosting using the microwave also may allow some parts of the chicken to get to \u201cdanger zone\u201d temperature, so you must cook the chicken immediately<\/strong>. If you must<\/em> use this method, here\u2019s how. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Use the defrost setting on your microwave, checking your chicken every one to two minutes to see if it\u2019s defrosted. The time it takes will vary depending on your microwave and the size of the chicken. Be careful that the chicken doesn\u2019t start to cook on the outside. Yes! If you don\u2019t want to spend the time defrosting your chicken, you can cook it from frozen. I only cook frozen chicken in the crockpot because it allows the chicken to retain its moisture. Typically this takes about five hours on low. You can also cook it from frozen using other methods. While the USDA says it takes 50% longer, I\u2019ve found that it typically takes even longer than this in the oven and the chicken comes out dry. Vacuum sealing is a great way to freeze any type of food (even apples<\/a>). However, if you don\u2019t have a vacuum sealer, a freezer bag will do. I like to individually wrap each chicken breast in cellophane before freezing so I don\u2019t have to defrost large quantities of chicken at a time (though this step is optional). Then, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag and remove all the air possible before placing it in the freezer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the best taste and texture, the USDA<\/a> recommends the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe \u2014 it depends on how you defrosted it. If you thawed your chicken in the refrigerator, you\u2019re in the clear and can refreeze chicken up to two days after it has thawed. If you defrosted chicken in cold water or in the microwave, you should cook that chicken immediately because that chicken was exposed to \u201cdanger zone\u201d temperatures and some bacteria likely formed. The taste and quality of chicken may not be as good if you refreeze it. You can also freeze cooked chicken up to four days after it has been cooked, assuming it has been stored in the refrigerator properly and not left out on the counter for an extended period of time after it was cooked. Perishable foods should not be left on the counter for more than two hours<\/a>, and if your cooked chicken was out that long it may no longer be good. Now that you know how to defrost chicken fast, it\u2019s time to make your favorite chicken recipe! I\u2019ve been switching it up lately with different cuisines \u2014 halal chicken, teriyaki chicken, chicken tikka masala \u2014 the possibilities are endless.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Defrost Chicken Quickly and Easily<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In the Refrigerator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Long Can You Keep Thawed Chicken in the Refrigerator?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
In Cool Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the Microwave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nCan you Cook Frozen Chicken?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow do you Properly Freeze Chicken?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow Long Does Frozen Chicken Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCan you Refreeze Chicken?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"