How to quickly defrost chicken in the microwave
Defrosting chicken in a microwave can be a convenient way to get dinner on the table faster, but thawing meat safely requires careful attention to a handful of best practices. Use this guide to learn how to defrost chicken in the microwave in 5 steps, as well as how to handle chicken once it’s defrosted.
How long does it take to defrost chicken?
The time it takes to defrost chicken varies by the chicken’s weight, as well as whether it’s defrosted in the refrigerator, microwave or using cold water methods. Defrosting chicken in the microwave typically takes about 8–10 minutes per pound, but be sure to check the meat every few minutes to ensure it’s removed as soon as it’s defrosted completely.
Step-by-step guide to thawing chicken in the microwave
Defrosting chicken in the microwave is a simple process that requires some oversight. See the five-step process below to learn what to use when defrosting chicken, when to check on it and how to arrange it for more even thawing.
Step 1: Remove chicken from packaging
Chicken shouldn’t be defrosted in its original packaging, but be sure to note the chicken’s weight or use a food scale prior to discarding the packaging so you can accurately set the defrost settings.
Step 2: Place in a microwave-safe container
Microwave-safe containers like glass or ceramic dishes, or plastic storage containers, are good choices for defrosting meat. You may be able to defrost chicken in some types of zipper-top bags, just be sure to check the manufacturer’s information first to determine the safety of microwave use.
Step 3: Select Defrost settings
Many microwaves include a Defrost setting that will prompt you to enter the food type (poultry or meat) and weight of the chicken, then automatically start the defrost cycle. If your microwave doesn’t have a defrost pre-set, it’s typically best to defrost at a 20–30 percent power level for 8–10 minutes per pound of chicken. Specific defrosting times can vary by microwave wattage, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual for more information about defrosting.
Step 4: Flip and rotate chicken
Stop the microwave every few minutes to flip the meat for more even results. If your microwave turntable is off, consider rotating the dish to encourage even thawing.
Step 5: Cook chicken immediately
Meat that defrosts in the microwave may not always do so evenly and can begin to warm enough to trigger bacterial growth. Always remove meat from the microwave and begin cooking it immediately to avoid bacterial development.
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How long does it take to defrost 2 lbs of chicken in the microwave?
Defrosting chicken in the microwave requires approximately 8–10 minutes per pound, so you can expect 2 lbs of chicken to take anywhere from 16–20 minutes to defrost completely. Your microwave may prompt you to select a poultry defrost setting and enter the weight, then automatically set the defrost time for you. If not, you can manually defrost 2 lbs of chicken by setting your microwave to 30 percent power and entering 16–20 minutes on the timer.
Can you defrost a whole chicken in the microwave?
Defrosting a whole chicken in the microwave is possible but not recommended. The USDA warns that defrosting large cuts of meat in the microwave can lead the outside to warm faster than the middle and may cause some areas to begin cooking or warm enough to develop harmful bacteria.
You can and should fully cook unevenly defrosted chicken immediately after defrosting. While this will help prevent harm from bacterial growth, the chicken will likely be overcooked in some areas and take on a tough or rubbery texture as a result.
Can you refreeze defrosted chicken?
Whether or not you can safely refreeze defrosted chicken depends on your dethawing method. According to the USDA, chicken defrosted in the refrigerator, for instance, can be refrozen within a day or two of defrosting, but may suffer some quality loss. Chicken defrosted in the microwave should only be refrozen once it’s fully cooked.
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