Is it ok to thaw chicken then put in the fridge overnight before cooking?

Yes, it is generally safe to thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Here's how to do it properly:

1. Remove the chicken from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. Make sure the chicken is in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent cross-contamination.

2. Thaw the chicken slowly and evenly. Allow at least 24 hours for a whole chicken or large cuts, and 8-12 hours for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

3. Cook the chicken immediately after thawing. Do not refreeze the chicken once it has been thawed in the refrigerator.

It's important to note that thawing chicken in the refrigerator is the safest method because it allows the chicken to thaw slowly and evenly, minimizing the risk of bacterial growth. Other methods, such as thawing in a sink full of cold water or in the microwave, can lead to uneven thawing, which can increase the risk of bacteria multiplying and causing illness.

Here are some additional tips for safely thawing chicken:

- If you need to thaw chicken quickly, you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method will thaw a boneless, skinless chicken breast in 1-2 hours.

- If you don't have time to thaw the chicken overnight, you can also cook it from frozen. However, this will take longer and the chicken may not cook as evenly.

- Always make sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat.