Can you refreeze chicken thats been thawed in water?

It's not recommended to refreeze chicken that has been thawed in water. Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: When chicken thaws in water, it creates a moist environment that allows bacteria to grow more quickly. This can happen even if the water is cold. Refreezing after thawing in water can further encourage bacterial growth.

* Food Safety Risk: Refreezing thawed chicken increases the risk of foodborne illness. The bacteria that may have grown during thawing can survive the refreezing process and potentially make you sick.

What to do instead:

* Thaw in the Refrigerator: The safest way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator. This takes longer, but it minimizes the risk of bacterial growth.

* Thaw in Cold Water: If you need to thaw chicken quickly, use cold water and change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Do not thaw chicken at room temperature.

* Cook Immediately: Once thawed, cook the chicken immediately. Do not refreeze it.

Remember, food safety is crucial. Following these guidelines will help ensure that you are handling and preparing chicken safely.