Defrosting A Whole Chicken

[Tilly2]

Last weekend, when I had my electrical emergency, I put a whole chicken in the freezer in the garage. It weighs 1.5Kg and is frozen solid. Never having frozen a whole chicken before, I don't know how long it needs to defrost in my fridge.

Shall I fetch it in now so that it will be defrosted in time for Sunday dinner, or is that too soon? How will I know when it's properly defrosted? I don't want to roast it if it's still frozen inside.

It's a M&S cook in the bag chicken.

Thank you.

[bhg481]

24 hours in your fridge should be OK and then I'd leave it out for 3 or 3 hours.

[bhg481]

That should be 2 or 3 hours.

[Tilly2]

So leave it until a bit later then? Bring it in tonight, rather than now?

[hellywelly4]

You could do it now. It will be OK in the fridge, I would have thought. Otherwise you will have to go out in the dark!!!

[Buenchico]

The rule of thumb quoted in this link (and elsewhere on the web) is '5 hours per pound' to defrost a chicken in a fridge. So that's 5 x 3.3 = 16.5 hours. Therefore 24 hours should provide plenty of time:
http://www.wikihow.com/Defrost-Chicken

Note that the link advises putting your hand inside the chicken to feel for ice crystals, which seems to me like a sensible enough way to confirm that the chicken has been fully defrosted.

[bhg481]

Yes, get it out now. Better to make sure it's fully thawed and, in any case, it should keep for a couple of days in the fridge after thawing.

[Tilly2]

I don't mind going out in the dark, hellywelly. We have lights. :-)

How can I check that it's defrosted? My meat thermometer won't be any use.

[andypipwilly]

Follow the advice already given it is good. (I am a restaurateur)
If the giblet bag is in place remove it.
When it feels defrosted pop a skewer down in between the leg and the rib cage
you should meet minimal resistance.

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Andy. I'll do that.

[murraymints]

I'd bring it in sooner rather than later..will be fine in fridge and better to err on the side of caution....

[whiskeryron]

// Note that the link advises putting your hand inside the chicken to feel for ice crystals, which seems to me like a sensible enough way to confirm that the chicken has been fully defrosted. // NOTE The only way I would put my hand up a chicken is if I was a Vet.

[Tilly2]

It's now in the fridge.

It's a necessary evil, Ron. How else can you insert half a lemon?

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Minty. I am obviously as cautious as you.

[whiskeryron]

Perched on the end of a broom stale.

[murraymints]

lemon up the bum and garlic cloves under the skin..yum yum will there be juice ;-) lol xx

[Tilly2]

I don't do the garlic bit, Minty. I just use tarragon on mine.

Ron, don't be such a wuss! It only takes ten seconds.

[gollob]

just stick it in a slow cooker for 6 hours and it will be perfect