How to Defrost Chicken Safely: Times & Methods

If you’ve remembered to get the chicken out of the freezer the night before you need it, you’re already doing better than I usually manage! It is so easy to forget until you start thinking about dinner, only to discover the chicken is still frozen solid.

Knowing how to defrost chicken safely is useful because there are a few different ways to do it depending on how much time you have. The fridge is the best option when you can plan ahead, but cold water and the microwave can also be used safely if you’re short of time.

In this guide I’ll explain the different methods, how long chicken can take to defrost and some of the mistakes to avoid. If you’re staring at a frozen chicken breast wondering whether tonight’s dinner plans are ruined, they probably aren’t!

Why defrosting chicken safely matters

It can be tempting to leave frozen chicken on the kitchen worktop and wait for it to thaw, especially if you’ve forgotten to take it out earlier. The problem is that the outside can become much warmer while the middle is still frozen.

The Food Standards Agency describes temperatures between 8°C and 63°C as the “danger zone”, where bacteria can grow more readily. This is why the FSA recommends defrosting food in the fridge where possible, as it keeps the food at a safer temperature while it thaws.

There is also the problem of uneven cooking. If chicken is still frozen in the middle, the outside could look completely cooked before the thickest part has cooked safely.

Defrosting it properly isn’t just about food safety either. Fully thawed chicken is much easier to cook evenly, so you’re less likely to end up with chicken that’s dry on the outside while you’re waiting for the middle to cook.

Method 1: The Refrigerator (The Best Way to Defost Chicken)

If you have enough time, thawing chicken in the fridge is hands down the safest and most reliable option. It’s a steady, gentle process that ensures the chicken stays safely cold, well out of that danger zone.

How to Defrost Chicken in the Refrigerator: Step-by-Step

1. Plan Ahead: This is key! The fridge method takes patience and a bit of forward thinking. Allow at least 24 hours for every 1.8–2.2 kg of chicken. For smaller pieces like boneless, skinless breasts, you might only need 12–24 hours.
2. Contain It: If your chicken is in leak-proof packaging, keep it as is. If not, or if you want to be extra safe, place the chicken in a bowl or baking tray that will catch any juices as it thaws.
3. Bottom Shelf Always: Always pop the dish with your thawing chicken on the bottom shelf of your fridge. This stops any stray drips from contaminating your salad, leftovers, or whatever snack you’re hiding on the top shelf. It’s an easy step that protects everyone from the risk of cross-contamination.
4. Keep Calm and Wait: Let your fridge work its magic. Don’t unwrap or poke at the chicken, just leave it be.

How Long to Defrost Chicken in the Fridge?

It depends on the size and type of chicken you’re thawing. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken, how the pieces are packed together and your fridge, so these should only be treated as rough planning times. Always check that the chicken is completely defrosted before cooking it.

• Whole chicken (1.8–2.2 kg): 24 to 48 hours. If it’s bigger, give it up to 3 days.
• Chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, wings; about 450g–1.4kg): 24 hours is usually enough.
• Small, single pieces (such as a breast or thigh): Might be ready in as little as 12 hours.

Once the chicken has fully defrosted, the Food Standards Agency recommends using it within 24 hours.

Method 2: Defrosting chicken in cold water

If you’ve forgotten to get the chicken out early enough for fridge defrosting, cold water can speed things up.

Raw chicken needs to be in a sealed container before you defrost it under cold running water. This is important because you don’t want raw chicken juices splashing around your sink, taps, worktops or anything else nearby.

Keep the water cold rather than trying to speed things up with warm or hot water. The aim is to help the chicken defrost without allowing the outside to become too warm while the middle is still frozen.

There isn’t one reliable defrosting time because a single chicken breast will thaw much faster than a large pack or whole chicken. Check the thickest part carefully and make sure there are no frozen or icy areas remaining.

If you’ve used the sink to defrost raw chicken, clean and disinfect the sink and the surrounding area afterwards.

Method 3: The Microwave (The “I Need Dinner Now” Emergency Plan to Defrost Chicken)

Using the microwave is the quickest way to defrost chicken, but it’s also the trickiest. Microwaves can begin to cook the outer edges while the inside is still frozen. It’s best used only when you’re in a pinch and need to defrost chicken as there is no other option.

How to Defrost Chicken in the Microwave: Step-by-Step

1. Remove Packaging: Take all packaging off, especially polystyrene trays and plastic wrap, they are not suitable for microwaves and could melt or release chemicals.
2. Microwave-Safe Dish: Pop the chicken on a microwave-safe plate or in a dish to catch juices.
3. Use the Defrost Function: Most microwaves have a defrost setting (or around 30% power). Use it, and if your microwave lets you enter the food’s weight, do so for a more accurate time. Check your manual if you’re not sure.
4. Rotate and Separate: If defrosting more than one piece, you’ll need to pause the process and turn or separate the pieces as they get softer. This helps everything thaw as evenly as possible.
5. Cook Straight Away: After microwave defrosting, your chicken must be cooked immediately. Some parts may already be warm or have started to cook, putting them in the danger zone for bacteria if left to sit.

How long does chicken take to defrost in the microwave?

This varies considerably between microwaves and also depends on the size and amount of chicken you’re defrosting, so follow the instructions for your microwave rather than relying on one set number of minutes.

If your microwave asks you to enter the weight of the food when using the defrost setting, weigh the chicken first. Pause to turn or separate pieces if necessary and check carefully that there aren’t still frozen areas in the middle.

Chicken defrosted in the microwave should be cooked straight away.

Thawing Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

We’ve covered the safe ways, but knowing what not to do is just as important. Avoid these risky manoeuvres:

• The Kitchen Counter: Never thaw chicken on the counter, in the garage, or anywhere at room temperature. You risk hours of time in the danger zone, bacteria heaven.
• Hot Water: Don’t use hot water to speed it up. It can cook the outside, leave the inside frozen, and basically serve up a dish of disaster.
• Cooking chicken from frozen without checking the instructions: Some foods are designed to be cooked from frozen, in which case you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, the Food Standards Agency advises thoroughly defrosting food before cooking it. If chicken is still partly frozen, it can cook unevenly, leaving the outside cooked before the centre is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions About Defrosting Chicken

Let’s answer some other nagging questions you might have while thawing. These should help ensure you defrost chicken safely for you and your family.

How can I tell if my chicken is fully thawed?

The best way is to touch and check. The chicken should be soft through and through, no icy patches. For a whole bird, reach into the cavity to feel for any ice left. If a fork or knife slides in easily, it’s thawed.

Can I refreeze chicken that has been defrosted?

The simplest option is to cook the defrosted chicken first. The Food Standards Agency advises that you can freeze food again once it has been cooked, although you should only reheat it once after that.

If you regularly find yourself defrosting more chicken than you need, freezing chicken in smaller portions makes things much easier because you can take out just enough for the meal you’re making.

What if my chicken is only partly thawed? Can I cook it?

Not the greatest plan, you should always defrost chicken first. Partly frozen chicken cooks unevenly; when the middle finally gets hot enough, the outside may have turned into a rubbery, grumpy meal. Finish off thawing it with the cold water method before cooking.

Should I wash chicken after defrosting it?

No. You don’t need to wash raw chicken before cooking it, and doing so can spread bacteria through splashes onto your sink, taps, worktops and anything else nearby.

Cooking chicken thoroughly is what deals with harmful bacteria. After handling raw chicken, wash your hands and thoroughly clean anything that has come into contact with it.

Food Safety

Handling raw chicken is no joke, but it doesn’t need to become a stress-fest. Remember these three golden rules when you defrost chicken and handle raw meat:

• Wash Your Hands: Scrub up with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after touching raw chicken.
• Separate Cutting Boards: If you can, have a dedicated board for raw meat, no one wants chicken-flavoured cucumber salad.
• Clean Up Thoroughly: Wash boards, knives, plates, and counters with hot, soapy water or sanitiser after use.

Understanding how long to defrost chicken and how to do it safely is basic kitchen know-how that pays off every time you cook. Whether it’s the relaxed refrigerator approach, the cold water quick fix, or a frantic microwave rescue, safe thawing methods keep your chicken tasty and safe to eat, and your dinner plans firmly on track.

What can I make with my defrosted chicken?

Once your chicken is safely defrosted, deciding what to make with it is the much nicer part! My healthy chicken recipes guide has loads of ideas if you’ve got chicken in the fridge but haven’t decided what dinner is going to be yet.

If it’s chicken breast you’re using, have a look at my ways to cook chicken breast guide or try one of my homemade chicken rubs when you want something simple. I’ve also got recipes for Cajun chicken, piri piri chicken and chicken lime tacos, along with plenty of slow cooker chicken curry recipes and air fryer chicken recipes.

I usually find that the easiest way to avoid the last-minute defrosting panic is to decide what we’re having the night before and move the chicken into the fridge then. Of course, remembering to actually do that is another matter entirely!

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