The Bottom Line. You can refreeze chicken that’s been thawed, but it must be cooked first if it has been thawed in the microwave or in cold water. But if the chicken has thawed in the refrigerator, then it can be refrozen raw within two days of thawing.
Will washing the chicken make it safer?
Though it used to be common practice to wash chicken breasts before cooking them, the CDC recommends against doing this now. Experts warn that you can contaminate your kitchen when water splashes from the raw chicken onto the counter, utensils, or nearby food you’re preparing. The best way to make chicken germ-free and safe to eat is by cooking it thoroughly to the recommended internal temperature (165 degrees Fahrenheit).
Are there drawbacks to refreezing raw chicken?
If the chicken was thawed in your fridge and hasn’t been outside the fridge for more than two hours, it’s fine to store it safely in the freezer. The cost here may be quality: Your chicken cuts may lose moisture due to the freezing, thawing, and refreezing. In short, your refrozen chicken probably won’t make you sick, but it might not taste as good as if you only thawed it once (or cooked it when it was fresh).
Is it Bad to Refreeze Chicken?
FAQ
Can you refreeze chicken breast after thawing?
Can I freeze my chicken twice?
How many times can you freeze chicken breasts?
Can I defrost chicken and put it back in the fridge?
Can You refreeze cooked chicken?
When handled properly, it’s safe to refreeze raw and cooked chicken within their respective shelf lives. Only refreeze raw chicken that has been thawed in the refrigerator. In terms of safety, chicken can be stored in the freezer indefinitely. However, refreezing can affect its taste and texture. Here are some tips to maximize freshness ( 7, 8 ):
Can one refreeze homemade chicken broth?
It is not indicated. After thawing once, the chances of contamination are greater, and therefore the best option is to freeze in small portions, such as ice cubes, and thaw only what is going to be used.
Does refreezing Chicken make it drier?
A succulent piece of chicken is a joy to eat, but refreezing can compromise this juiciness. As the chicken loses moisture through the repeated freeze-thaw cycles, it can end up drier when cooked. This is especially noticeable in methods like grilling or roasting, where the moisture retention is crucial for a juicy outcome.
Can thawed chicken be refreezed?
Chicken thawed in a fridge can be refrozen. Thoroughly cook chicken thawed in the microwave or cold water before refreezing. Refrozen chicken may lose moisture and tenderness. Can You Refreeze Chicken? Yes, you can safely refreeze chicken only if it’s thawed properly.