What is the safest way to thaw chicken?

1. Cold water thaw

1. Place the frozen chicken in a large Ziploc bag and seal it tightly.

2. Submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water. Make sure the water is cold and not hot.

3. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure the chicken is thawing evenly.

4. Depending on the size and thickness of the chicken, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the chicken to thaw completely.

2. Refrigerator thaw

This is the safest method, but it takes the most time. Place the frozen chicken on a plate in the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw for at least 24 hours, depending on the size of the chicken.

When the chicken is thawed, it is important to cook it immediately. Do not refreeze thawed chicken.

Do not thaw chicken on the counter at room temperature. This is not safe, as it can allow bacteria to grow.