Healthcare providers believe that inappropriately deliquesced breasts of chicken are more likely to contain bacteria and cause pathogens, such as staphylococcus aureus and listeria. So, in order to stay safe, try defrosting the chicken breasts at a moderate pace by initially storing the chicken at 40 F. Avoid the techniques of defrosting such as exposing it to warm water or thawing it on the counter. If the temperature shoots above 40 F, the bacterial growth may significantly increase and result in various types of illnesses. 

How to Defrost Chicken Breast in Cold Water

1

Take an airtight, leak-proof plastic bag and stuff the chicken breast in it. In this way, the meat will not be directly exposed to water, which will minimize the chances of bacterial growth.

2

Take a wide, deep plastic bowl for submersion of chicken breasts.

3

 Place the breasts, stuffed in plastic bag, in the bowl and fill it with cold tap water.

4

Let the chicken breasts completely immersed into the water. 

5

After about 30 minutes, throw this water and replace it with fresh tap water. Continue the process until the breasts get defrosted. 1 pound of chicken breasts will take about 1 hour. 

How to Defrost Chicken Breast in the Microwave

1

If you wish to defrost the chicken (packaged ones) in microwave, make sure you make some holes in the cellophane which covers the package by your fingers. This enables the steam exit the package. 

2

Now place the breast, a single flat layer once at a time, onto a microwave resistant container or plate and place this in the microwave. 

3

According to the defrosting instructions of your microwave, set the time and start it. 

4

Once the chicken breasts are defrosted, take them out and cook them right away, or the bacteria will grow. 

How to Defrost Chicken Breast in the Refrigerator

1

Thawing small cuts of chicken will require almost a time period of 24 hours whereas when thawing the entire chicken will require 24 or more hours. But don’t use the thawed chicken longer than few days.

2

To avoid leaking, stuff the chicken in a plastic bag and place it on the bottommost shelf of the refrigerator.

3

Cook the chicken after keeping it 12-36 hours in the refrigerator. And if the chicken is tad bit frozen, don’t freak out. It’s okay to cook a little frozen chicken as long as it’s cooked in the microwave or on the stove. 

Tips
  • Above the temperature of 40 degrees F, the microorganisms grow rapidly. Therefore choose an appropriate temperature while defrosting the chicken in microwave.
  • Time required to defrost a boneless chicken breast is overnight. However, 1-2 days may be required when thawing a whole or bone-in chicken.
  • Cook the thawed chicken right away. In case you can’t do so, you may refrigerate it and use it within the time period of 24 hours.
  • When thawing the chicken, make sure that the dripping does not cause contamination of other food materials and surrounding surfaces.
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