(a) in the refrigerator
(b) in cold water
(c) in microwave
NEVER defrost chicken on the counter or in other locations. The safest way is to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. Boneless chicken breast will usually defrost overnight while whole chickens and bone in parts take 1 to 2 days. Once the raw chicken defrosts, it can be kept in the refrigerator an additional 1 or 2 days before cooking. This way, if the defrosted chicken is not used, it can safely be returned to the freezer for later use.
Chicken can be defrosted in cold water in its airtight packaging or in a leak-proof bag. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold. A whole chicken usually takes 2 to 3 hours to defrost this way while boneless breasts will defrost in an hour or less. Chicken defrosted this way should be cooked before freezing.
Chicken defrosted by microwave should be cooked immediately after thawing as parts of the chicken becomes warm during thawing process.
