And if dinner plans change in that time period it s totally safe to put the chicken back in.
Thawing frozen chicken at room temperature.
First chicken should never be thawed or defrosted on the counter at room temperature or in a bowl of hot water.
When frozen food gets warmer than 40 degrees or is at room temperature for more than 2.
The following methods should allow you to thaw chicken and keep it out of the danger zone 40 to 140 f which is the temperature zone that allows bacteria to grow.
How to defrost chicken.
Proper thawing practices and cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165ºf 74ºc will considerably reduce your risks.
Any foods that can go bad like raw or cooked meat poultry and eggs must thaw at safe temperatures.
Leaving chicken to defrost on the counter or submerging it in hot water can cause bacterial growth and could make those who eat it sick.
If you only have a few hours to thaw your chicken you can use the cold water method for same day defrosting.
These other methods if used properly should allow you to thaw chicken and keep it out of the danger zone 40 to 140 f which is the temperature zone that allows bacteria to grow.
According to the usda you should never thaw meat at room temperature or in hot water.
Don t thaw meat on your kitchen counter.