Time: 1.5 hours Submerging packaged chicken in a cold water bath is one of the best ways to defrost it. (DO NOT USE HOT WATER!)
Time: Overnight Refrigerator thawing chicken may take longer than most methods, but it promises maximum food safety and is very hands-off. Added bonus: You can refreeze it if needed.
Time: Zero to 45 minutes If you are planning to cook the chicken sous vide, you can skip defrosting it altogether! If you have another cooking method in mind, you can use the sous vide to thaw it, keeping the water temp low enough to prevent bacterial growth.