Here are 3 approaches, depending on how much time you have.

It makes adelicious dinnerif we remember to thaw it in time.

The first two offer the best quality.

3 seasoned raw chicken legs on a cutting board

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It may have to sit overnight or longer before its thawed.

While thawing chicken, it is important to minimize the potential for cross-contamination, Tuell says.

If you thaw chicken in the refrigerator, use it within 1 to 2 days after thawing.

A fork tucking into slices of grilled chicken breast on a plate

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Place it in a big bowl of water so that it is submerged.

Change the water every 30 minutes to see to it the water stays cold.

A 1-pound pack of boneless breasts should thaw in about an hour.

Be sure to cook chicken as soon as it is thawed.

To defrost chicken in the microwave, remove all packaging and place it in a microwave-safe dish.

Theres one important safety step if you’re defrosting your chicken this way.

Can You Refreeze Chicken?

If youve thawed chicken in the fridge, its OK to refreeze it from a food safety perspective.