3 simple methods to defrost chicken

Knowing how to defrost chicken easily is always useful, as this is a very popular meat and easy to cook. Keeping it in the freezer is a very common practice, and you may not have known, but there are simple and hygienic ways to defrost it.Having this lean white meat in the refrigerator is not only a healthy option for meals, but it is also versatile and can be prepared in many different ways. Because once you discover that freezing chicken saves you time and even money, there’s no turning back.Fortunately, there are several methods to defrost it; the only thing you need to keep in mind is not to defrost your chicken by leaving it on the counter or submerging it in hot water, as this will allow bacteria to multiply rapidly.1. In the refrigeratorThis method requires advance planning, as it takes at least a full day for the chicken to defrost, but it is also the safest and most recommended. To defrost chicken using this method, simply transfer the chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator.Keep the chicken wrapped and in a container, tray, or plate that prevents juices from leaking onto other foods.2. Cold waterThis method is faster (around one hour) than defrosting in the refrigerator, but it requires more attention. First, you have to place the chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag to avoid bacteria getting into the air or the surrounding environment, and to prevent the water from damaging the meat's tissue. Then fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the bag containing the chicken in the water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it continues to defrost.The chicken that is defrosted using the cold water method should be cooked immediately, or if refrozen, it must be cooked before placing it back in the freezer.3. In the microwaveIf you are short on time, the microwave is the fastest method to defrost chicken. To safely defrost chicken in the microwave, remove any plastic covering before placing it on a microwave-safe plate or container and cover the plate loosely. Use your microwave's defrost setting to defrost in two-minute intervals; check the meat and turn it periodically to ensure even defrosting.Depending on the power of the microwave and the size and thickness of the chicken, defrosting will take between seven and eight minutes, but if your microwave doesn’t have a defrost setting, set it to 20 to 30 percent of its maximum power.One important thing to remember is that chicken defrosted in the microwave must always be cooked immediately after defrosting.These three methods are foolproof for safely defrosting chicken, so now you just need ideas for cooking it; here are some for you.Al Pastor Chicken TrompoCaesar SaladMarinated Chicken with Mushrooms