Better Safe Than Sorry: When to Toss Your Defrosted Poultry
By Alex Rivera
Updated: July 2, 2025
Originally Published: April 18, 2022
Have you ever taken frozen chicken out to thaw, only to end up ordering pizza instead? No worries; it happens to the best of us. That’s what makes chicken such a reliable option for meal planning—you might think you can just pop it back in the freezer for later. While this helps minimize food waste and extends the time until your next grocery run, safety is key. If your frozen chicken has thawed, can you safely refreeze it? After all, nobody wants to deal with food poisoning, which can ruin family dinners for good.
According to the USDA, individual pieces of raw chicken (like thighs, tenders, and breasts) can be frozen for up to nine months, while whole chickens can last up to a year. Cooked chicken, however, has a shorter freezer life of about four months. When it comes to thawed chicken, there are specific guidelines for refreezing. For instance, chicken can be defrosted in the refrigerator, in cold water, or using the microwave, but you can only refreeze chicken that was thawed in the fridge.
Feeling uncertain? We consulted experts for advice on refreezing thawed chicken, best-by dates, and important food safety considerations.
Can You Refreeze Chicken After It Has Thawed?
“There are a few scenarios to consider,” says Maria Johnson, a registered dietitian and owner of Balanced Life Nutrition. “First, it’s important to distinguish between raw and cooked chicken. Both types can be refrozen, as long as you follow safety guidelines during the thawing process.” She emphasizes that failing to adhere to USDA guidelines can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.
As previously stated, there are three common methods for thawing chicken. The USDA recommends that the most reliable way to thaw poultry intended for refreezing is in the refrigerator. “Thawing chicken at room temperature isn’t advisable; bacteria thrive in those conditions,” explains Emma Wright, a Boston-based dietitian and owner of Healthy Choices.
Is It Harmful to Refreeze Thawed Chicken?
This question can be tricky. In short, if you’ve stored thawed meat in the fridge for 48 hours or less, refreezing it is safe. However, improper thawing can pose risks. “Chicken has a high potential for food poisoning if not thawed correctly, possibly harboring bacteria like Salmonella,” warns Wright. “Cooking spoiled chicken may kill off surface bacteria but won’t eliminate toxins produced by them, which could still lead to illness.” When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Regarding flavor, refrozen chicken may taste different when reheated. Johnson reassures that this is normal: “Refrozen chicken may lose some freshness, affecting its flavor and texture due to moisture loss during thawing.”
How to Safely Refreeze Chicken
Follow these USDA guidelines for refreezing thawed raw and cooked chicken:
- If you thaw raw chicken and don’t cook it, you can refreeze it within 48 hours.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be refrozen within three to four days.
- If you’ve thawed cooked chicken, uneaten portions can also be refrozen.
Regardless of whether the chicken is raw or cooked, it should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours (or one hour if it’s above 90°F). If it sits out too long, it’s better to discard it. Wright adds, “Raw chicken is good in the fridge for about one to two days, while cooked chicken can last three to five days, so never refreeze anything past these timeframes.”
How Many Times Can You Refreeze Chicken?
Wright advises that chicken should only be refrozen once for safety, quality, and taste. For example, if you cook frozen raw chicken on a Monday, leftovers should be refrozen by Friday at the latest. You can thaw and reheat those pieces on Sunday, but avoid refreezing uneaten portions a second time.
How to Safely Defrost Chicken
When it comes to safely thawing chicken, here are effective methods that prevent bacterial growth:
- Refrigerator: Store frozen chicken in the fridge for one to two days. Make sure the fridge is set to 40°F or lower. Place chicken in a plastic bag or container and cook it within one to two days after thawing.
- Cold Water: Submerge chicken in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and heat only the amount you plan to use. Cook immediately after defrosting.
If you’re pressed for time, it’s also safe to cook chicken straight from frozen. Just make sure to extend cooking times to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. Instant Pots and pressure cookers are great for this method, but avoid cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker, as it may allow bacteria to grow.
How to Buy Chicken Safely
When purchasing chicken, use the same reusable bag for raw meat and clean it regularly. Check for leaks in packaging and confirm best-by dates to avoid buying spoiled meat. A good practice is to pick up frozen and cold items last during grocery shopping to keep them fresher longer.
So, stock up on chicken thighs the next time they’re on sale—you’re now in control of your freezer destiny! For more tips and information on home insemination, check out this blog post.
Summary
Refreezing chicken is permissible under certain conditions, emphasizing safety and proper thawing methods. Always follow USDA guidelines and be cautious about thawing times to ensure the health of your family. Understanding how to handle chicken can help you make the most of your meals while minimizing waste.
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