Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or for 1–2 days, depending on size
Keep the chicken in a leak-proof container or on a plate to catch drips
Thaw chicken in cold water if you need it faster
Seal the chicken in a waterproof bag before placing it in cold water
Change the cold water every 30 minutes
Cook chicken immediately after thawing in cold water
Use the microwave’s defrost setting for quick thawing
Cook chicken immediately after microwave thawing
Never thaw chicken on the counter at room temperature
Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw chicken