There are so many ways to defrost chicken and the easiest and quickest way to defrost chicken is using the microwave. So how to defrost chicken in microwave?
To defrost chicken in the microwave, you first need to remove the frozen chicken from packaging, place it on a microwave-safe plate, then switch on the microwave and set it at 50% power level for 2 minutes at a time, and then check, repeat this cycle until the chicken is fully defrosted.
But to do it right and keep your food stays safe to eat, you need to know more detailed instructions and tips. Below, CouponUpto will share step-by-step guides on how to defrost chicken in microwave as well as other alternative ways to defrost chicken in just a few minutes.
Now, let's keep reading to learn more!
Step-by-step guides on how to defrost chicken in microwave
Defrosting chicken in the microwave is very easy and quick. Now, make sure to follow the following instruction carefully to defrost the chicken properly.
Step 1: Unpacking and put the chicken in the microwave
Firstly, you need to remove the frozen chicken from its packaging and then place it on a microwave-safe dish.
Step 2: Set the microwave to defrost chicken
Make sure to set your microwave at 50% power level for 2 minutes. If your microwave has a defrost setting, use it.
Step 3: Check and repeat until fully defrosted
Make sure you keep checking the above process to know whether the chicken has completely defrosted or not.
Depending on the thickness of the meat as well as microwave wattage, the defrosting process can take 6-8 minutes.
Finally, defrosting chicken in the microwave has been completed and your chicken is ready to be cooked.
Note: Once defrosted, you need to cook your chicken immediately to keep tasty and avoid the growth of any harmful bacteria. Plus, do not freeze the chicken again after defrosting.
How long to defrost chicken in microwave?
If you’re wondering “how long to defrost chicken in microwave”, this is the answer for you.
Typically, it takes 2 minutes at a time to defrost frozen chicken in microwave. The process can repeat a few times until your chicken is completed defrosted. You also need to flip the sides of pieces of chicken to expedite defrosting and help your meat thaw evenly. In general, depending on the thickness of the chicken as well as your microwave wattage, defrosting can take up to 8 minutes.
More importantly, to defrost chicken in microwave quickly, it's better to have a good microwave with the highest watt. There are some suggestions on the most powerful microwaves of 2022 you should buy. And to save money when shopping, visit our site Couponupto.com to get coupons and deals on appliances. We update all the latest promotions for shoppers regularly.
Is it safe to thaw chicken in the microwave?
Of course, the answer is Yes.
It is safe to defrost chicken in the microwave. In fact, it is the easiest and easiest method to defrost frozen chicken.
A microwave is a common household appliance in families' kitchens, so everyone should know this defrosting method to cook easier.
However, when defrosting chicken in the microwave, you should follow the guides that we shared in the above heading and know extra tips to cook safely.
Now, let's keep reading to know some important notes while defrosting chicken in the microwave.
Important notes on how to defrost chicken in microwave
Here are some important notes to remember while defrosting chicken in the microwave:
- Always refer to microwave instructions before defrosting.
- Do not put too much chicken inside of a microwave.
- You must cook your chicken immediately after defrosting. This way helps keep food tasty and safe as well as avoids the rapid growth of any harmful bacteria.
- Do not leave raw chicken at room temperature for very long.
- According to USDA food safety guidelines, you should store raw chicken in the refrigerator only for up to 2 days.
- It's better to use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Always remove any plastic packaging before putting the meat in microwave.
- Check during the defrost process to make sure that your chicken doesn’t dry out.
- It's better to set low power while defrosting the chicken (50% power level is ideal).
- Wash the chicken thoroughly before starting cooking.
- Never refreeze the chicken once if it is defrosted.
Alternative ways to defrost chicken quickly
Along with defrosting chicken in microwave, there are some alternative ways to thaw chicken quickly. You can defroste chicken in the refrigerator and in cold water. Here are how-to instructions to follow.
How to defrost chicken in the refrigerator?
To defrost chicken in the refrigerator, follow the following step below:
Step 1: Remove the chicken from the freezer at least 12 hours in advance. You can do this overnight.
Note: Don't remove it from the packaging to help protect the meat against harmful bacteria and avoid dripping liquid onto other food.
Step 2: Place chicken in a bowl and put it in the refrigerator. It takes 12 hours to a day to completely thaw.
Step 3: After 12 hours, check it to know whether your meat is soft or not. If your chicken is thawed, you need to cook it within 1-2 days.
In fact, defrosting chicken in the fridge is the slowest defrosting way but is the safest method you should refer to.
How to defrost chicken in cold water?
Along with defrosting chicken in the refrigerator, you can also defrost chicken in cold water. Here are how-to guides:
Step 1: To defrost chicken in cold water, you first place your chicken in a sealed bag or retainer. This will avoid water cannot get in and damaging the meat.
Step 2: Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the packed chicken.
Step 3: Change the water every 30 minutes. Wait until the chicken is thawed.
Normally, it takes at least 1 hour to defrost chicken in cold water.
Note: Chicken that is defrosted in cold water should be cooked immediately.
How to store defrosted chicken?
If you defrost too much chicken and can't cook a time, you can store it back in the refrigerator but the taste and safety may be reduced.
It's better to store chicken in the refrigerator within 24 hours after defrosting. Make sure you use a sealed bag to store it.
FAQs: How to defrost chicken in microwave?
Can I defrost a whole chicken in the microwave?
You shouldn't defrost whole chickens in the microwave. This takes more time and can reduce the tasty.
It's better to defrost chicken breast, thighs, and wings in microwave.
How to defrost chicken breast in microwave?
As we mentioned above, you can fully apply "Step-by-step guides on how to defrost chicken in microwave" for chicken breast.
So, how long to defrost chicken breast in microwave? It takes 3-4 minutes to defrost chicken breast in microwave. Make sure to flip the chicken over every 1 minute. This defrosting method is perfect for boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
How to defrost chicken wings in microwave?
Well, defrosting chicken wings needs a few minutes to be fully thawed.
Like the chicken breast, you put wings in a glass dish and place it in the microwave. Set the defrost setting and wait for defrosting.
How to defrost chicken in microwave? Final Thoughts
We hope that this post is useful for you and now you know how to defrost chicken in microwave, in cold water, and in the refrigerator. These methods are easy to follow and you can thaw your chicken even in just a few minutes.
Besides, visit Couponupto Blog to read more useful How-to instructions and smart shopping guides!
