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Copyright © 2012 admin. Visit the original article at http://leftoverlovers.com/2008/10/01/hints-and-how-tos-for-chicken-recipes/.

These Hints and How-To’s for Chicken Recipes are directly from the Lando’Lakes website. I thought it was interesting that you should only store uncooked chicken in the refrigerator for two days before cooking. Another good argument for cooking chicken right away and using the “leftover” cooked chicken for the recipes found at “LeftoverLovers.com”!

Storing Chicken

Proper storage of chicken is essential to maintain flavor and quality.

Chicken may be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking. It should be washed in cold water, patted dry, and wrapped in plastic food wrap or aluminum foil for refrigerator storage.

Chicken freezes well. Freeze chicken in original unopened store packaging. Or, you can wash chicken in cold water and pat dry. Then, wrap in freezer paper, aluminum foil, or resealable plastic freezer bags. When stored properly, chicken may be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Freezer temperature should be 0° F. or less.

Thawing Chicken

The safest way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator but you can also use a microwave. Approximate thawing times for each are:

Refrigerator:

Chicken Type/Cut Thawing Time
Whole chicken 12 to 16 hours
Cut-up chicken 4 to 9 hours

Microwave*:

Chicken Type/Cut Thawing Time
Boneless breasts 9 to 13 minutes per pound
Chicken pieces 4 to 8 minutes per pound
Chicken quarters and whole chickens 5 to 9 minutes per pound

*Use Defrost or Low (30%) power setting. Cook immediately after thawing in the microwave.