Should you refreeze frozen chicken? expert advice and food safety guidelines

Frozen chicken is a convenient and affordable way to stock up on protein. But what happens if you accidentally thaw it and then change your mind? Can you refreeze it? The answer is yes, but with some important caveats.

Understanding the Risks of Refreezing Chicken

While it’s technically possible to refreeze chicken, it’s not recommended due to the potential risks to food safety. Here’s why:

• Bacterial Growth: When chicken thaws, bacteria can multiply rapidly. Refreezing does not kill these bacteria, and they can continue to grow when the chicken is thawed again.
• Loss of Quality: Refreezing chicken can damage its texture and flavor. The repeated freezing and thawing process causes ice crystals to form, which can break down the chicken’s proteins and make it tough and watery.
• Foodborne Illness: If the chicken was not properly handled before being initially frozen, it could contain harmful bacteria. Refreezing can further increase the risk of foodborne illness.

When is Refreezing Chicken Acceptable?

In some cases, refreezing chicken may be acceptable if certain conditions are met:

• The chicken was thawed in the refrigerator: If the chicken was thawed in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below, it can be refrozen within two days.
• The chicken was partially thawed: If only a small portion of the chicken has thawed, you can cut off the thawed portion and refreeze the remaining chicken.
• The chicken was cooked: Cooked chicken can be refrozen, but it’s important to cool it to room temperature before freezing.

How to Safely Refreeze Chicken

If you decide to refreeze chicken, follow these steps to minimize the risks:

1. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator: Never thaw chicken at room temperature or in hot water.
2. Cut off any thawed portions: Discard any portions of the chicken that have thawed.
3. Repackage the chicken: Wrap the chicken tightly in freezer-safe packaging or place it in a freezer-safe container.
4. Label and date the chicken: Label the package with the date you refroze it.
5. Freeze the chicken promptly: Place the chicken in the freezer as soon as possible after repackaging.

How Long Can Refrozen Chicken Be Kept?

Refrozen chicken should be consumed within two months of being refrozen. However, it’s best to use it within a shorter period of time to ensure the best quality and safety.

Alternatives to Refreezing Chicken

If you’re not comfortable refreezing chicken, there are other ways to preserve it:

• Cook the chicken: Cooking chicken kills bacteria and extends its shelf life.
• Freeze cooked chicken: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to four months.
• Canning: Canning chicken is a safe and effective way to preserve it for long periods of time.

Takeaways: Refreezing Chicken with Caution

While it’s technically possible to refreeze chicken, it’s important to understand the risks involved. If you do decide to refreeze chicken, follow the guidelines carefully to minimize the chances of foodborne illness. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and consider alternative methods of preserving chicken if possible.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I refreeze chicken that has been frozen for a year?
A: No, it’s not recommended to refreeze chicken that has been frozen for more than two months.

Q: Is it okay to refreeze chicken that has been partially cooked?
A: No, it’s not safe to refreeze partially cooked chicken.

Q: Can I refreeze chicken that has been thawed in the microwave?
A: No, it’s not safe to refreeze chicken that has been thawed in the microwave.

Q: How long can I keep refrozen chicken in the refrigerator?
A: Refrozen chicken should be consumed within two days of being thawed in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I refreeze chicken that has been marinated?
A: Yes, you can refreeze chicken that has been marinated, but it’s important to discard the marinade before freezing.