Why must poultry be completely thawed before cooking?

It is not necessary to completely thaw poultry prior to cooking. While some recipes may suggest thawing poultry before cooking, it is generally safe to cook frozen poultry as long as you take proper precautions. Here are some tips for cooking frozen poultry safely:

- Increase the cooking time by about 50%. This will ensure that the poultry reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.

- Cook the poultry in a covered pan. This will help to prevent the poultry from drying out.

- Check the internal temperature of the poultry frequently. This will help you to ensure that it is cooked all the way through.