Get any package of frozen chicken thawed safelyand quickly.

If you’ve ever questioned the right way todefrost frozen chicken, you’re in the right place.

This gentle method keeps the chicken at a safe temperature (above 40F) throughout the process.

frozen chicken

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

You’ll have to have the forethought to defrost the chicken well before it’s needed.

This typically takes between one to three hours depending on the size of the bird.

While faster than refrigerator thawing, it does require more hands-on time and attention.

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You’ll also want to be ready to cook the chicken immediately after thawing to prevent contamination.

Rotate the chicken as needed to ensure even thawing.

Methods like baking, grilling, or stovetop cooking all work well with frozen chicken.

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While the microwave is less consistent, it also helps to maintain safe conditions.

This can cause bacteria like Salmonella to multiply rapidly, leading to foodborne illnesses if consumed.

check that to avoid the bone, which can cause an inaccurate reading.

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This ensures that any bacteria is killed off, making the chicken safe to serve.

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