Food safetyLesson 2 of 2
Thawing and handling chicken safely
Published 2026-07-13 · 4 min read
Thawing chicken the wrong way is one of the most common causes of food-safety problems. The goal is to keep chicken out of the danger temperature zone as much as possible while it thaws.
Safe thawing methods
The best method is thawing inside the fridge at low temperature, or under cold running water followed by immediate cooking. Avoid leaving chicken at room temperature for hours, which creates the ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Common mistakes
Mistakes include refreezing what has thawed, thawing more than needed, and mixing thawed chicken with fresh raw. Plan quantities to demand to reduce over-thawing and waste.
Frequently asked questions
Can chicken be thawed at room temperature?
It's not recommended; the safest is thawing in the fridge or under cold running water, then cooking immediately.