Can chicken be thawed and re frozen?

* Food Safety: Refreezing chicken increases the risk of bacterial growth. When chicken is thawed, bacteria begin to multiply. Refreezing doesn't kill these bacteria, it simply slows their growth. This can lead to foodborne illness.

* Quality: Refreezing chicken can also affect its texture and flavor. The repeated freezing and thawing process can cause ice crystals to form in the chicken, which can make it tough and dry.

What to do instead:

* Thaw chicken safely: Thaw chicken in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave (if your microwave has a specific thawing setting).

* Cook chicken immediately: Once chicken is thawed, cook it as soon as possible.

* Plan ahead: If you know you'll need chicken in advance, plan to thaw it in the refrigerator the day before you need it.

Exceptions:

There are some exceptions to this rule, such as:

* Cooked chicken: Cooked chicken that has been properly cooled and stored in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen.

* Frozen chicken that has been partially thawed: If you've partially thawed chicken in the refrigerator and you won't be able to cook it right away, you can safely refreeze it. However, it's best to cook it as soon as possible.

In short, it's best to avoid refreezing chicken whenever possible. If you must refreeze it, do so with caution and cook it as soon as possible after thawing.