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How to Defrost Chicken in the Microwave (Easy Method)

byMeenakshi Hours

Forgot to thaw your chicken? No worries! Learn how to defrost chicken in the microwave quickly and safely with our simple guide.

Using the refrigerator defrost setting method is the best approach as it brings the chicken to a safe room temperature slowly. But, if you are in a pinch. you can thaw even a whole chicken or other chicken parts quickly in the microwave. Is this microwave approach the best way to defrost your raw chicken safely?

chicken-being-thawed-on-a-plate

Why Proper Defrosting Matters

Improper thawing or defrosting can lead to bacterial growth and food-borne illnesses. Hence, safety first:

  • Cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
  • Avoid cross-contamination
  • Wash hands before and after handling raw meat
  • Refrigerate leftovers promptly
defrost chicken in the microwave

Step-by-Step Microwave Defrosting

  1. Weigh Your Chicken Use this handy chart for defrosting times:
Weight (lbs)Time (mins)
0.5 – 13
1 – 1.55
1.5 – 26
2 – 38
1
chicken being thawed in a microwave
  1. Prep Your Chicken
    • Remove packaging
    • Place in a microwave-safe container
    • Spread out pieces for even thawing
  2. Defrost
    • Use full power for the recommended time
    • Check for icy spots or if the flesh still feels hard or solid, continue in 30-second intervals if needed until the flesh is soft.
  3. Cook Immediately
    • Don’t let defrosted chicken sit out
    • Cook within 2 hours, ideally right away
    • Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

Tip ✖

Food safety organizations recommend only thawing in the refrigerator, cold water method, or microwave for raw meat.

FAQ

Ideally, yes. You definitely can cook a frozen chicken, but it will not cook evenly. The outside will be overcooked, and the inside will be undercooked. Also, keep in mind that the cooking time will be about 50% longer. Always let meat thaw fully, and even when taking out of the fridge let it sit in room temperature for a few minutes.
Any time you are handling raw meat, whether frozen or fresh, make sure to follow some safety guidelines. The USDA says it’s fine to cook chicken from frozen, just bear in mind that the cooking times will be 50% longer as stated above.
Check your chicken for a slimy feel, bad smell, or odd colours like yellow, green, or gray. These mean it’s gone bad. Throw out chicken that’s past its use-by date. Also, toss raw chicken kept in the fridge longer than 2 days, or cooked chicken there over 4 days. Don’t eat chicken left out for more than 2 hours.
The safest way to thaw frozen chicken is in the fridge, but it takes longer. When thawing chicken this way, keep it wrapped and put it on a big plate at the bottom of the fridge. This stops it from dripping onto other foods as it thaws.
When frozen food starts to thaw and gets warmer than 40°F, any bacteria in it can start growing again. Never thaw food on the counter or in hot water. Don’t leave thawing food at room temperature for more than two hours.
To check if your chicken is thoroughly defrosted, cut a small slit in the thickest part of the breast or thigh. Insert your finger – the flesh should be soft and no ice crystals should remain. If you feel ice crystals or the flesh is solid you will need to continue defrosting.

By following these steps, you’ll have safely thawed chicken ready for your favorite recipes in no time. Happy cooking!

  1. These defrost times are based on a typical 1000-1100 watt microwave but may need slight adjustment for your specific model. Always check your microwave’s user manual for details on its defrost setting and wattage. ↩︎

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