Why is it importat to soak chicken in the ice water after cooked?

It's not important to soak cooked chicken in ice water. In fact, it's generally not recommended.

Here's why:

* Temperature Safety: Soaking cooked chicken in ice water can actually slow down the cooling process and make it more likely for bacteria to grow. Cooked chicken needs to be cooled quickly to a safe temperature (below 40°F/4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.

* Texture and Flavor: Soaking chicken in ice water can make the meat soggy and dilute the flavor.

Instead of soaking cooked chicken in ice water, here's how to cool it safely:

1. Divide the chicken into smaller portions: This allows for faster cooling.

2. Place the chicken in a shallow container: This exposes more surface area to the cold air.

3. Refrigerate the chicken immediately: Aim for a temperature below 40°F/4°C within two hours.

In summary: Soaking cooked chicken in ice water is not a good idea for food safety or flavor. It's best to cool the chicken quickly using other methods.