Skip to main content
Log in
HelloFreshIconChevronRightSmallBlogIconChevronRightSmallKitchen Hacks

How To Defrost & Thaw Chicken: 3 Fast Tips

Need to thaw chicken fast for tonight's dinner? No sweat. Thawing chicken safely and quickly isn't rocket science, but it does take a bit of know-how.

We've got the inside scoop on zapping those ice crystals without turning your chicken into a safety hazard. Whether you're prepping for a quick stir-fry or a savory bake, we’ll show you how to get from frozen solid to ready-to-cook in no time.

Why Is Proper Thawing Important?

Why Is Proper Thawing Important?

How Do I Thaw Chicken?

So, you've got a frozen block of chicken, and dinner's clock is ticking—what do you do? If leaving it overnight in the fridge isn't an option, here are a couple of quicker methods to get that chicken thawed and ready to cook:
1. Cold Water Thawing

Submerge your chicken in cold water. Keep it in a leak-proof bag and change the water every 30 minutes to keep it chilly. A small package might thaw in an hour or so, while a larger one could take a few hours.

2. Microwave Thawing
Pressed for time? The microwave can be your friend. Use the defrost setting based on the weight of your chicken. Just be ready to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas might start to cook slightly during the process.
3. Oven Thawing

If you're planning to cook your chicken in the oven, you can actually start with it still frozen. Just remember that cooking times will be about 50% longer than usual. Set your oven to a lower temperature to prevent the outside from drying out before the inside is done.

What’s the Best Way To Defrost Chicken if Time Isn’t an Issue?

What’s the Best Way To Defrost Chicken if Time Isn’t an Issue?

Can You Thaw Chicken on the Counter?

Can You Thaw Chicken on the Counter?

How Can You Tell if Your Chicken Hasn't Defrosted Properly?

You've followed the steps to thaw your chicken, but how can you tell if it's actually ready to hit the pan? Sometimes it's not so obvious.

Here are some telltale signs that your chicken may need a bit more time to defrost:


  • Uneven texture: If parts of the chicken are still hard or icy while others feel soft, it's a sign of uneven thawing.

  • Cold spots: Touch different parts of the chicken after defrosting, especially if you use the microwave. Any noticeably colder spots mean it isn’t evenly thawed.

  • Visible ice crystals: If there are still ice crystals or frost on the chicken or inside the package, it's not ready for cooking.

  • Excessive drippings: A little moisture is normal, but if your chicken is leaking a lot of liquid, it might have been thawed too quickly, affecting its texture and moisture retention when cooked.


If you encounter any of these issues, allowing the chicken more time to thaw in the refrigerator can help ensure it cooks evenly and tastes great. Proper thawing isn't just about food safety. It's also key to making your meal as delicious as possible.

What Can You Cook With Thawed Chicken?

Chicken Stir-Fry
Grab your favorite veggies, some soy sauce, and your thawed chicken, and you're ready to make a stir-fry. It’s fast, customizable, and perfect for a busy weeknight. Just slice your chicken into strips, sauté with vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, and finish with a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired dish.
Chicken Parmesan
For a comforting meal, why not go for chicken Parmesan? Coat your chicken breasts in breadcrumbs, fry until golden, then top with marinara sauce and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and serve over spaghetti for a hearty meal that never disappoints.
Grilled Chicken Salad
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, a grilled chicken salad might be just the thing. Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, grill them until they’re nicely charred, then slice and toss with a mix of fresh greens, nuts, and a vinaigrette for a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Chicken Tacos
Thawed chicken is perfect for taco night. Shred the cooked chicken and marinate it with taco spices. Serve on warm tortillas with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fun meal that everyone can customize at the table.
Chicken Curry
Use your thawed chicken to make a rich, aromatic curry. Simmer pieces of chicken in a sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and plenty of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Serve with rice or naan bread for a warming meal that’s packed with flavor.

Get Free Breakfast for Life + 10 Free Meals*

Get Free Breakfast for Life + 10 Free Meals*

*Offer only valid for new customers with qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase. ‘10 Free Meals’ offer is based on total discount given on first box for a 4-person, 5-recipe plan, and expires 21 days after offer purchase at 11:59 PM ET. Customers who purchase a plan of greater value will receive more than 10 free meals, while customers who purchase a plan of lesser value will receive less than 10 free meals. 'Free for Life' offer is based on a limit of one free item per box for as long as a customer remains active; if subscription is canceled, this offer becomes invalid and will not be reinstated upon reactivation. Shipping fee applies on all deliveries after the first box. Not valid on premiums, meal upgrades, add-ons, taxes or shipping fees. May not be combined with gift cards or any other promotion. No cash value. Void outside the U.S. and where prohibited. Offer cannot be sold or otherwise bartered. HelloFresh has the right to end or modify any offer at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. See https://www.hellofresh.com/termsandconditions for more.