5 Effective Ways to Defrost Chicken — Safely and Quickly

Almost everyone in the world has experienced this: it's nearly dinner time, you're craving something comforting and homemade… But your chicken is rock-solid in the freezer.

Panic sets in, and you’re tempted to just leave it on the counter and hope for the best.

Stop right there.

Defrosting chicken incorrectly can lead to serious foodborne illnesses like salmonella. But not to worry — there are safe, smart, and surprisingly quick methods to get your chicken from frozen to flavourful without risking your health.

Here are five effective ways to defrost chicken like a pro — so your next meal starts off on the right (and safe) foot.

How To Defrost Chicken

1. In the Fridge (The Safest Method)

Place your chicken (still in its packaging or inside a container) on a plate and leave it in the bottom shelf of the fridge. Depending on the size and cut, it may take overnight or up to 24 hours to fully defrost.

Why it works: The cold, steady temperature of the fridge keeps the chicken out of the “danger zone” (between 5°C and 60°C), where bacteria can multiply quickly.

Best for:

Planning ahead — works well for whole chickens or large cuts like thighs and breasts.

✅ Pro Tip: Always place it on a plate to catch drips and prevent cross-contamination with other foods.

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2. Cold Water Bath (Fast and Safe)

Submerge your chicken (sealed in a leak-proof plastic bag) in a large bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cool. Small pieces may thaw in an hour, larger cuts could take 2–3 hours.

Why it works: The water transfers heat more efficiently than air, speeding up defrosting without entering unsafe temperatures — as long as the water stays cold.

Best for: When you forgot to plan ahead but still want to do it safely.

✅ Pro Tip: Never use warm or hot water — it encourages bacterial growth on the outer layers while the inside stays frozen.

3. Microwave Defrost (Use with Caution)

Use your microwave’s defrost setting, rotating and checking the chicken frequently to avoid partially cooking it. This method usually takes 5–10 minutes, depending on the size and power of your microwave.

The microwave uses low heat to thaw the meat quickly. However, it can cause uneven defrosting, leaving some parts too warm while others are still icy.

Best for: Last-minute meals when you're in a serious rush.

✅ Pro Tip: Cook the chicken immediately after defrosting in the microwave to avoid bacteria growing on warm spots.

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4. Cook From Frozen (Yes, It’s Allowed!)

If you’re in a hurry, it’s perfectly safe to cook chicken straight from frozen — just be sure to extend the cooking time by at least 50% and check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C.

As long as the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature, starting from frozen isn’t a problem. It just takes longer and may need lower heat to cook evenly.

Oven-baked or slow-cooked meals where time and even heating are manageable.

✅ Pro Tip: Frozen chicken works best in recipes where it can cook slowly and steadily, like stews, soups, or oven bakes.

5. Use a Defrosting Tray (If You Have One)

A defrosting tray (made of conductive metal like aluminium) speeds up thawing by drawing heat from the air into the meat. Simply place the chicken on the tray and let it sit for 30–60 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It doesn’t require electricity or water and works faster than just leaving meat out on a plate.

Best for: Thinner cuts like chicken breasts or tenders — not ideal for thick, frozen blocks.

✅ Pro Tip: Always clean the tray thoroughly before and after use to avoid contamination.

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Defrosting chicken isn’t just about convenience — it’s a key part of food safety. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for family, or whipping up something last-minute, choosing the right defrosting method can make all the difference between a safe meal and a risky one.

When in doubt, stick to the fridge or cold water bath. And whatever method you choose, never let chicken sit out on the kitchen counter for hours — it’s simply not worth the risk.

So next time you forget to take the chicken out the night before, don’t worry. You’ve got safe, effective options — and dinner’s still on the table.