Can I defrost and refreeze chicken? [duplicate]
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I've been told that there are dangers in refreezing defrosted chicken as well as that it changes the taste and texture of the chicken. Is this the case?
I cook for myself but buy bulk - thus I often end up defrosting packs of chicken breasts, for example, in order the get them apart and take out one piece, and then refreezing the rest. I have never had any issues but I would like to know whether this is completely safe and/or whether the culinary quality of the meat gets altered. Also, are there any other issues to be aware of when defrosting and refreezing chicken (or other meat for that matter)?
Best Answer
The USDA says that refreezing is safe only if the meat was thawed in the fridge or cooler section at the market. NOT WHEN IT HAS BEEN THAWED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE! The handling of the meat when thawing is very important. The food from the market has been handled (hopefully) according to USDA food handling guidelines and should be free of any contamination. The key at home is to refreeze quickly after purchase and avoid any cross contamination around the sink/kitchen area. KEEP REFRIGERATED UNTIL REFREEZING!! Also, as a good practice, buy a food saver or equivalent device to vacuum seal what you freeze.
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Can you thaw chicken refreeze twice?
Bottom Line. You can refreeze chicken that's been thawed, but it must be cooked first if it has been thawed in the microwave or in cold water. But if the chicken has thawed in the refrigerator, then it can be refrozen raw within two days of thawing. For more on chicken, learn how to butterfly a chicken breast.Can you refreeze chicken that has already been frozen?
The U. S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) advises: Once food is thawed in the refrigerator, it is safe to refreeze it without cooking, although there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through thawing. After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.Can you refreeze chicken after letting it thaw?
According to the experts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), you can safely refreeze chicken as long as it has been thawed properly. Emphasis on as long as the chicken has been thawed properly.Is it Bad to Refreeze Chicken?
More answers regarding can I defrost and refreeze chicken? [duplicate]
Answer 2
You can refreeze any meat as long as it is thawed in the refrigerator.Don't refreeze if thawed at room temperature or in the microwave!
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