Can You Refreeze Chicken?

You Can Only Refreeze Chicken That Was Thawed Properly

While you can refreeze chicken after it’s been thawed, there are important factors you need to remember to stay safe. It’s crucial that you thaw the chicken as directed and keep it at a safe temperature. If the chicken was left at room temperature as it thawed, refreezing it could put you and your family at risk for food poisoning later.

How To Safely Thaw Chicken

According to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), there are three safe methods to thaw frozen chicken: in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave. These methods ensure safe temperatures and prevent bacteria from growing on the food.

Refrigerator Thawing

Raw chicken needs to be stored at 40°F or below. Thawing frozen chicken in the refrigerator ensures it stays at the appropriate temperature and does not enter the “danger zone” where bacteria thrive.

Refrigerator thawing does, however, take time. If you use this method, plan ahead and give your frozen chicken a full day to thaw. Whole chickens and larger cuts likely need more time to thaw completely. After thawing, you can keep the chicken in the refrigerator for another day or two before cooking.

Thawing in Cold Water

You can also submerge frozen chicken in cold water to thaw it safely. Ensure the chicken is in leak-proof packaging before putting it in a container filled with cold water. Refresh the cold water every 30 minutes until the thawing process is done. This method thaws chicken more quickly than in the refrigerator. Cook the chicken immediately after it is thawed.

If there is a leak in the packaging, the water will be contaminated and should be thrown out. If you notice a leak, place the chicken in a fresh sealed bag and resubmerge it in a different container with clean water to continue thawing. Wash the contaminated container and disinfect the work area to kill bacteria that may have escaped.

Microwave Thawing

While microwaving is the quickest way to thaw frozen chicken, you must cook the chicken right away to avoid bacteria growth. Follow your microwave’s thawing directions carefully and closely monitor the progress. If the chicken thaws unevenly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

How To Safely Refreeze Chicken

Whether you can refreeze thawed chicken depends on what thawing method you used. If you place the chicken in the refrigerator to thaw, it maintains a safe temperature and can be refrozen. However, cold water or microwave thawing requires cooking the chicken before refreezing.

Here’s how you can properly refreeze raw chicken that was thawed in the refrigerator:

If possible, keep the chicken in its original packaging.
If you plan to keep the chicken frozen for an extended period (over two months), wrap the original packaging with foil, freezer paper, or plastic wrap, or place it in a freezer bag.
If you do not have the original packaging, use a freezer bag or airtight container to store the chicken.

Cooked chicken can also be safely stored in the freezer. Use airtight bags or containers to prevent freezer burn and preserve taste.

How Long Does Chicken Last in the Freezer?

The time you can store chicken in the freezer varies for different cuts. A whole chicken can last in the freezer for up to one year. Smaller cuts of chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to nine months. Frozen chicken giblets must be used within three to four months. If you freeze cooked chicken, use it within four months for the best flavor and quality.

How Many Times Can You Refreeze Chicken?

While you can refreeze chicken that was thawed and handled properly, there is an increased risk of reaching dangerous temperatures (above 40°F) every time it is thawed. If that happens, bacteria can proliferate and can cause food poisoning.

Food also loses moisture during thawing. Thawing and refreezing chicken multiple times will diminish its quality and possibly make it inedible when done too often. Plan ahead to minimize the number of times you refreeze thawed chicken.

When Should You Not Refreeze Chicken?

If thawed chicken reaches 40°F or above, cook it before freezing. Because chicken thawed in cold water and the microwave easily exceed these unsafe temperatures, do not refreeze it while raw. Additionally, avoid refreezing chicken that shows signs of contamination or spoilage, including:

How Soon Should You Cook Chicken After Thawing?

When chicken is thawed in cold water or the microwave, cook it immediately to ensure bacteria do not proliferate and contaminate the food. However, raw chicken thawed in the refrigerator can be stored safely for one to two days at 40°F or below before cooking. You can refreeze the chicken if you cannot cook it within that time frame.

What Types of Bacteria Grow on Improperly Handled Chicken?

Raw chicken is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria when not handled safely. Chicken left at room temperature for too long can start to grow these common bacteria:

Salmonella – Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms when consumed through contaminated food or water.
Campylobacter – Campylobacteriosis is a common foodborne illness caused by the campylobacter bacteria often found in raw or undercooked chicken. Among other things, it can cause diarrhea and flu-like symptoms.
E. coli – This is a dangerous bacteria that leads to painful stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and fever. E. Coli can even be fatal in severe cases.
Listeria – Food poisoning caused by the listeria bacteria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, people over 65, and those with compromised immune systems.

What Can Happen if You Eat Bad Chicken?

Consuming bad chicken can lead to serious foodborne illnesses that put your health and life at risk. While some people only experience mild effects from bacterial infections, others suffer severe food poisoning symptoms, including:

Food safety practices are crucial when handling raw chicken. Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent food poisoning.

Get Your Food Safety Questions Answered

If you contracted a foodborne illness after eating contaminated chicken, unsafe packaging, careless handling, or negligent restaurant preparation may be to blame. Keep Food Safe is dedicated to increasing food safety awareness and helping consumers understand their legal rights. Contact us today to connect with an experienced food safety lawyer and learn if you have a viable food poisoning lawsuit.