Thawing Out Chicken...

[Baby_Sham]

I took out a couple of chicken breasts, but only at 2 o'clock, so they're still pretty rock solid right now.
Is there any way I can thaw them out quicker, as I don't think they'll be much good if I now put them in the fridge for tomorrow.

I saw a lady on Come Dine once run them under a hot tap. Would this be ok to do or do I risk making myself ill?
They're in individual bags so I was thinking maybe put those in a bowl of warm water?

Thanks.

[bhg481]

Microwave, if you have one.

Why won't they be any good if left in the fridge until tomorrow?

[Tilly2]

I would put them in the fridge for tomorrow. Why do you think they would be no good tomorrow?

[Baby_Sham]

I don't have a microwave :-(

I was just thinking because they've been in the freezer for a bit, then out on the kitchen worktop for three hours today, it might not be a great idea to then fridge them...?

[Baby_Sham]

Ah, ok. I stand corrected. I'll save them for tomorrow.

Thanks :-)

[jourdain2]

Do you have a microwave? They'll be OK if you have a defrost setting with that - just keep giving them a couple of minutes and checking. I've defrosted them in bags in warm (not hot) water before with no problem. Just ensure that they are thoroughly defrosted before cooking.

[ummmm]

They'll be fine to put back in the fridge if they are still frozen.

[boxtops]

They'd be perfectly fine in the fridge if they are still stiff out on the worktop - particularly as they are still in their bags so won't have picked up any germs. Eat them tomorrow.

[Tilly2]

What are you going to eat now?

[ubasses]

As you said they are still fairly solid, so putting them in the fridge to defrost naturally for tomorrow is safest.

[Baby_Sham]

The tops and sides are fleshy, but the middles are rock solid.

[Baby_Sham]

Beans on toast :D

[Fusion5]

I stick mine in hot water to aid defrosting, never had a problem as long as they are cooked through thoroughly.

[Tilly2]

Are you sure the lady on Come Dine used hot water? That sounds very dangerous.

[AlwaysConfused]

Oooh, sprinkle some grated cheese over the top for a special meal ;)

[Old_Geezer]

'They' do not recommend you wash poultry under the tap, it tends to spread the bacteria.

I suspect you could have got away with putting the bags in warm water, but best wait until they thaw naturally if possible.

[ummmm]

OG...they are in individual bags.

[boxtops]

If you must - cold water, not hot, that's dodgy http://www.wikihow.com/Defrost-Chicken

[Mamyalynne]

I have always understand that hot water to defrost is a no no,it should be cold.

[Baby_Sham]

Yep... but I also remember Dave Lamb making a comment about them all falling ill with food poisoning! :P
They're back in the fridge, I'll have them tomorrow.

As for the beans on toast... I'm going all out. Curry powder AND grated cheese! :D

[Tilly2]

Here's a WikiHow page

http://www.wikihow.com/Defrost-Chicken#Thawing_Chicken_in_the_Sink_sub