Can you re-freeze chicken that was defrosted 1 day?

Here's why:

* Food Safety: Defrosting chicken allows bacteria to grow. Even if the chicken was kept cold during the day, some bacteria may have multiplied. Re-freezing doesn't kill these bacteria, it simply slows their growth.

* Quality: Re-freezing chicken can affect its texture and flavor. The ice crystals that form during freezing can damage the muscle fibers, making the meat tough and dry.

Here's a safer approach:

* Cook it: The safest option is to cook the defrosted chicken and eat it within 1-2 days.

* Don't refreeze: If you don't plan to cook it immediately, consider keeping it refrigerated and cooking it within the next day or two.

Important Note: If the chicken was left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it's best to discard it, regardless of whether it was previously frozen.