Can you put thawed chicken back in the freezer?

It's not recommended to put thawed chicken back in the freezer. Here's why:

* Safety: Once chicken is thawed, bacteria can start to grow, especially at room temperature. While refreezing might kill some bacteria, it won't eliminate all of them. This increases the risk of foodborne illness.

* Quality: The texture and quality of the chicken will be affected. It will become more watery and less flavorful after being thawed and refrozen.

What to do instead:

* Cook it immediately: The safest option is to cook the thawed chicken right away.

* Store it in the refrigerator: If you need to store the chicken for a short period of time (up to 1-2 days), keep it in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.

* Divide into smaller portions: You can divide the thawed chicken into smaller portions and freeze those for later use. However, it's best to cook it first before refreezing.

Remember: Always prioritize food safety and cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria.