A 1-pound package of boneless chicken breasts needs about a full day in the refrigerator. For speed, seal it and submerge in cold water: about an hour or less, changing the water every 30 minutes, then cook immediately.
- In the fridge
- About a full day Safest; plan ahead
- Cold water
- About 1 hour or less for a…Change water every 30 min
- Microwave
- YesCook right away
- Cook from frozen
- YesAbout 50% longer
Thawing times from USDA FSIS. Checked .
How to thaw chicken breasts: every safe method
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | About a full day (24 hours) for a 1-lb package of boneless breasts or thighs | Use within 1-2 days after thawing |
| Cold water | About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb | Seal in a leak-proof bag, submerge in cold tap water, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately. |
| Microwave | OK | Use the defrost setting and cook immediately; parts of the food may start to cook and warm into the bacteria growth range. |
| Cook from frozen | OK | Safe to cook from frozen; it takes about 50% longer than thawed or fresh (FSIS). |
After it's thawed
Fridge-thawed: use within 1-2 days after thawing. Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking (some quality loss); food thawed in cold water or the microwave must be cooked before refreezing, and anything left out over 2 hours should not be refrozen.
Never thaw it this way
- On the counter / at room temperature: The outer layer warms into the 40-140°F (4-60°C) danger zone, where bacteria multiply rapidly, while the center is still frozen.
- In hot water: Same problem: the surface sits in the danger zone. FSIS's cold-water method uses cold tap water changed every 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
Can I cook chicken breasts from frozen?
Yes. FSIS says it's safe; allow about 50% more cooking time.
How long is thawed chicken good in the fridge?
Use refrigerator-thawed raw chicken within 1 to 2 days.
How to defrost chicken fast?
Cold water is the fastest safe method for most packages: About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb. The microwave is faster still, but cook it immediately.
How to thaw chicken fast?
Cold water is the fastest safe method for most packages: About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb. The microwave is faster still, but cook it immediately.
How long does chicken take to thaw?
A 1-pound package of boneless chicken breasts needs about a full day in the refrigerator. For speed, seal it and submerge in cold water: about an hour or less, changing the water every 30 minutes, then cook immediately.
How long does it take to defrost chicken?
A 1-pound package of boneless chicken breasts needs about a full day in the refrigerator. For speed, seal it and submerge in cold water: about an hour or less, changing the water every 30 minutes, then cook immediately.