Most people will tell you that you need to defrost chicken by placing it on the counter at room temperate for a couple of hours. But let’s be real—who actually remembers to do that or has the time? We definitely don’t, and we bet you’re the same. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to help you defrost chicken fast and, more importantly, safely.
How to Defrost Chicken Quickly
Here are four ways to defrost chicken quickly and safely:
Cold Water Method
This is one of the safest and quickest methods to defrost chicken.
Place your chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent water from seeping into the meat and contaminating it.
Fill a large bowl or basin with cold water and submerge the bag of chicken. Make sure the entire piece is underwater.
Replace the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold.
Chicken breasts or small cuts will typically defrost in 1-2 hours. Larger cuts like whole chickens may take up to 3-4 hours.
Use a Defrosting Tray
This method is surprisingly quick and doesn’t involve any electricity or water. Defrosting trays are made of conductive materials like aluminum that speed up the process.
Remove the frozen chicken from its packaging and place it directly on the defrosting tray.
The chicken should defrost within 30-60 minutes depending on its size and thickness.
Flip the chicken halfway through to defrost both sides evenly.
Microwave Defrost Method
If you need to defrost chicken in under an hour, the microwave can be a convenient option. If using this method, make sure to cook the chicken immediately after defrosting since the edges may start to cook during the process
Take the chicken out of any packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
Most microwaves have a defrost option. Use this feature and enter the weight of your chicken. If it doesn’t have one, set it to 30% power.
While the chicken is in the microwave, make sure to pause and rotate the chicken every 2 minutes. Microwaves have a tendency to heat food unevenly.
Hot Water Method (Emergency Use Only)
The hot water method is the fastest way to defrost chicken, but it should only be used in emergencies due to potential safety risks.
Like with the cold water method, seal the chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag.
Fill a bowl with hot tap water (not boiling) and place the chicken inside.
Keep an eye on the chicken and check the water temperature frequently. You may need to change the water every 10-15 minutes to keep it warm.
Hot water may bring the chicken to a temperature where bacteria can multiply, so it’s essential to cook it right after defrosting.
What to Avoid
Room Temperature Defrosting: Leaving chicken out on the counter to defrost is unsafe because the outer layer reaches the “danger zone” temperature where bacteria can grow, even if the inside remains frozen.
Defrosting in Hot Water Without a Bag: Submerging raw chicken directly in hot water can lead to contamination, as bacteria can easily spread.
Refreezing Chicken After Defrosting: Once chicken is thawed, avoid refreezing it unless you cook it first. Refreezing can affect the texture and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
How Do Tell Know if the Chicken Is Fully Defrosted?
The chicken should feel soft and pliable, with no ice crystals inside. You can poke the thickest part of the meat to ensure it’s thawed evenly.
Summary
By using one of these methods, you’ll have your chicken defrosted in no time, and you’ll be able to cook it safely without worrying about bacteria or any other risks.
Need a faster way to defrost your chicken? Check out the MisterChef Defrosting Tray! It’s designed to speed up the defrosting process without using any electricity or water. Shop with us today.