Can You Refreeze Chicken? Food Experts Weigh In

Have you ever taken frozen chicken out to thaw, only to decide on pizza or takeout instead? No worries; it happens to the best of us! Chicken is often the unsung champion of meal prep, allowing for flexibility in dinner choices. But what if you want to refreeze that chicken for later use? This can help minimize food waste and extend the time until your next grocery run. However, the safety of refreezing thawed chicken can be a concern. After all, the last thing you want is to risk food poisoning for your family.

According to the USDA, raw chicken pieces like thighs, tenders, and breasts can be frozen for up to nine months, while whole chickens can last up to a year. In contrast, cooked chicken has a shorter freezer life of about four months. However, once chicken is thawed, it comes with its own set of guidelines for refreezing and consumption. Chicken can be thawed in the refrigerator, in cold water, or using the microwave, but only chicken thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen.

Feeling uncertain? We spoke to experts to clarify how to refreeze thawed chicken, understand best-by dates, and address food safety concerns.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Chicken?

“There are a few scenarios to consider,” says Sarah Mitchell, a registered dietitian and owner of Healthy Choices. “It’s important to differentiate between refreezing raw chicken and cooked chicken. Both can be refrozen if they have been thawed safely,” she explains, emphasizing that not adhering to USDA guidelines can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

The USDA suggests the refrigerator as the best method for thawing poultry intended for refreezing. “Thawing chicken at room temperature is not safe because bacteria can flourish,” says New York-based dietitian Linda Carter.

Is It Unsafe to Refreeze Thawed Chicken?

This question has a nuanced answer. Refreezing safely thawed chicken kept in the fridge for 48 hours or less is acceptable. However, if it was improperly thawed, refreezing could pose risks. “Chicken can harbor bacteria like Campylobacter or Salmonella, which are harmful if not handled correctly,” Carter warns. “Cooking spoiled chicken might kill surface bacteria, but it doesn’t eliminate toxins, which can still lead to food poisoning.” If you’re unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

In terms of flavor, refrozen chicken may taste different. “You might notice a change in taste or texture due to moisture loss during thawing,” Mitchell reassures.

How to Safely Refreeze Chicken

Follow these USDA guidelines:

If you thaw raw chicken and don’t plan to cook it, refreeze it within 48 hours.
Leftover cooked chicken can be refrozen within three to four days.
Thawed cooked chicken (from previously frozen raw chicken) can also be refrozen.
Chicken should not sit outside the fridge for more than two hours (or one hour in temperatures above 90°F). If it does, it’s best to discard it. Raw chicken generally lasts in the fridge for one to two days, while cooked chicken lasts about three to five days.

How Many Times Can You Refreeze Chicken?

Carter strongly recommends refreezing chicken only once to ensure safety and quality. For instance, if you cook frozen chicken on Monday, the leftovers should be refrozen by Friday. You can reheat those leftovers on Sunday, but you should not refreeze any uneaten portions a second time.

How to Defrost Chicken Safely

To avoid bacterial growth, here are safe thawing methods:

Refrigerator: Store frozen chicken in the fridge for one to two days, ensuring the temperature is 40°F or lower.
Cold Water: Submerge chicken in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, defrost only what you need, and cook it immediately after.

You can also cook chicken from frozen. If time is tight, consider making chicken soup or sauce directly from frozen chicken, just ensure you cook it thoroughly. Instant Pots and pressure cookers are great for this, but avoid slow cookers as they may promote bacterial growth.

How to Buy Chicken Safely

When shopping, use the same reusable bag for raw meat and clean it regularly. Avoid packages with leaks and check expiration dates. It’s best to pick up frozen and cold food last during your shopping trip to keep everything fresh.

With these tips, you can confidently stock your freezer with chicken for future meals!

For more insights on related topics, check out this article on safe home insemination and discover more about family-building options at Resolve.

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Summary:

This article explores the safety of refreezing chicken after it has been thawed, emphasizing USDA guidelines. It discusses the various methods for thawing chicken, food safety concerns, and best practices for refreezing. Experts highlight the importance of proper handling to avoid foodborne illnesses and provide tips on how to safely buy and store chicken.