Thawing guide
How to thaw chicken in the refrigerator
Refrigerator thawing keeps raw chicken cold; after it fully thaws, cook within another 1 to 2 days or refreeze if it stayed properly refrigerated.
U.S. home food-safety guidance.Check the source and scope
What to do
- Place the sealed package in a tray on a lower shelf so juices cannot reach ready-to-eat food.
- Allow 1 to 2 days or longer for larger packages; check the thick center and cavity of a whole bird before preparation.
- Mark when thawing completed, then decide whether to cook or refreeze within the next 1 to 2 days.
Conditions and limits
- An overnight thaw is not guaranteed for every size.
- Countertop thawing is not a safe shortcut.
Source and scope
Primary reference: USDA FSIS Chicken from Farm to Table. Equipment-specific steps and quality suggestions are practical guidance; check the appliance or product instructions for your model. How this site uses sources.