The safest ways to defrost chicken are:

• In the refrigerator: plan ahead and transfer the chicken from the freezer to a container or plate to catch drips. Let it thaw slowly overnight or for about 24 hours per 5 pounds of chicken (smaller cuts take less time). Cook within 1–2 days after thawing. This method minimizes bacterial growth because the meat stays at a safe, cold temperature the whole time.

• In cold water: keep the chicken in a leakproof bag and submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This speeds up thawing to roughly 1–2 hours for smaller cuts and 2–3 hours for a whole chicken. Cook immediately after thawing.

• In the microwave: use the defrost setting or 50% power in short intervals, turning the chicken and checking often. Thawing is fast (a few minutes to tens of minutes depending on size), but it can leave warm spots where bacteria grow, so cook immediately after defrosting. Not ideal for large or bone-in pieces.

What to avoid:

• Thawing at room temperature or on the countertop, which lets surface temperatures rise into the bacteria-friendly range. This is commonly discouraged by health sources.

• Defrosting methods that leave the meat partially frozen with uneven thawing, which can lead to uneven cooking and safety concerns.

Practical tips:

• If you’re pressed for time, a combination approach can work: start in the microwave on a defrost setting for a portion, then finish thawing in the refrigerator or in a cold-water bath as needed, followed by cooking right away.

• After thawing, if you’re not ready to cook, keep thawed chicken tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and use within 1–2 days (smaller cuts) or as recommended for your specific cut.

Direct answer: The safest defrosting method is to move the chicken to the refrigerator and thaw it slowly there, ideally overnight, then cook within 1–2 days. If you’re in a hurry, use a cold-water bath with the chicken in a sealed bag, changing the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately after thawing. If you need the fastest option, you can use the microwave on a defrost setting, but be sure to cook the chicken immediately afterward.