Can You Put Chicken Back in the Fridge After Defrosting Safely?

Learn if it's safe to refrigerate chicken again after defrosting and how to handle thawed chicken properly to avoid foodborne illness.

Published

Video transcript

Yes, you can put chicken back in the fridge after defrosting as long as it was thawed in the fridge and not at room temperature. Refrigerating it again will keep it safe to eat for another 1-2 days. Avoid refreezing if it's been thawed at room temperature, as this can encourage bacterial growth.

Questions and answers

  1. Is it safe to refreeze chicken after it has been thawed?

    You should only refreeze chicken if it was thawed in the refrigerator and has not been left out at room temperature. Refreezing chicken thawed at room temperature is unsafe due to bacteria risks.

  2. How long can defrosted chicken stay in the fridge before cooking?

    Defrosted chicken kept in the refrigerator should be cooked within 1-2 days to ensure safety and quality.

  3. What is the safest way to thaw chicken?

    The safest method to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator, where it remains at a safe temperature while defrosting.