Can you defrost and refreeze raw chicken?

Here's why:

* Food Safety: When you defrost chicken, bacteria starts to multiply. Refreezing it doesn't kill these bacteria. This increases the risk of foodborne illness.

* Quality: Refreezing raw chicken affects its texture and flavor. It can become tough and dry.

What to do instead:

* Defrost in the refrigerator: This is the safest method. It takes about 24 hours for a whole chicken to thaw in the fridge.

* Defrost in cold water: This method takes about 1-2 hours for a whole chicken. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.

* Defrost in the microwave: Some microwaves have a defrost setting. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

* Cook it immediately: If you're going to cook the chicken right away, you can defrost it in the microwave or in cold water.

Important Note: If you've already defrosted and refrozen chicken, it's best to cook it thoroughly (to an internal temperature of 165°F) to kill any bacteria. But, it's always safer to avoid refreezing raw chicken altogether.