Refrigerate raw chicken promptly. Never leave it on countertop at room temperature.
Packaged fresh chicken may be refrigerated in original wrappings in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Freeze uncooked chicken if it is not to be used within 2 days.
If properly packaged, frozen chicken will maintain top quality in a home freezer for up to 1 year.
Thaw chicken in the refrigerator ” not on the countertop ” or in cold water. It takes about 24 hours to thaw a 4-pound chicken in the refrigerator. Cut-up parts, 3 to 9 hours.
Chicken may be safely thawed in cold water. Place chicken in its original wrap or water-tight plastic bag in cold water. Change water often. It takes about 2 hours to thaw a whole chicken.
For quick thawing of raw or cooked chicken use the microwave. Thawing time will vary.
