When getting enough protein in your diet, is chicken your protein source of choice? Do you often have frozen chicken on hand?
While protein-rich, chicken is as shelf-stable as many other types of protein. However, there are some easy ways to defrost frozen chicken you can use to increase your ease and speed during meal prep.
Keep reading to learn all about frozen chicken, how to defrost it, and how to store it for when meal prep time comes.
1. Defrost in the Microwave
Microwaving frozen chicken is the quickest and easiest way to defrost it. Before microwaving, remove the chicken from its packaging and check to ensure that it is safe to be heated in the microwave. Begin by microwaving the chicken on defrost or 50% power for 5 minutes, stopping every few minutes from checking the temperature, and stirring it around.
When the chicken has started to thaw, transfer it to a plate and place it in the refrigerator. This will ensure that the chicken defrosts evenly and that no bacteria or bacteria-causing steam is produced.
2. Defrost in the Refrigerator
Defrosting frozen chicken in the refrigerator is the safest and most reliable method. This usually takes about 24 hours, so plan ahead and take your frozen chicken out of the freezer the day before you plan to cook it. Place the chicken in a shallow container to catch all the thawed liquid and place it on the bottom sheet of your refrigerator.
Be sure it is well wrapped to prevent any bacteria from contaminating other items in the refrigerator. If your freezer is not running at cold enough temperatures, you can use ice packs or cool packs to help as well. Once the chicken is fully thawed, use caution when handling it to prevent any bacteria from growing.
Cook overnight and discard any unused marinade before serving. Always check the temperature of the chicken before eating to ensure that it is cooked.
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3. Defrost in the Cold Water
Defrosting frozen chicken in cold water is a great tip that can help you defrost your chicken for meal preparations. Start by placing the chicken into a plastic bag and submerging the bag in cold water. Be sure to change the water at least every 30 minutes.
This will help to ensure that the water stays cold. Remember to always cook your chicken to ensure that it is safe to eat. Defrosting in cold water is a quick and safe way to defrost frozen chicken for meal preparation.
Learn How to Defrost Frozen Chicken Safely
When in doubt, defrosting frozen chicken the proper way is easy. Allow up to 24 hours to defrost in the fridge before cooking.
If you are in a rush, use the cold water method to defrost frozen chicken, and be sure to cook immediately afterward. Don’t take any chances, and enjoy your delicious chicken meal safely!
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