Dangerous Chicken Defrosting Mistake

The Dangerous Chicken Defrosting Mistake Many People Still Make

Defrosting chicken might seem like a simple step in meal prep, but doing it incorrectly can put your health at serious risk. Whether you’re cooking a family dinner or throwing together a quick weekday meal, how you thaw your chicken matters more than most people realize.

Unfortunately, many households still rely on one common method that can lead to dangerous bacterial growth—and potential food poisoning.
The Risky Habit: Defrosting Chicken on the Counter

Leaving frozen chicken out on the kitchen counter is one of the most widespread—and unsafe—defrosting practices.

At room temperature, the outer layers of chicken warm up quickly and enter what the USDA calls the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F / 4°C–60°C). This temperature range allows harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter to multiply rapidly.