Allow about a full day in the refrigerator for a 1-pound package of wings. In a sealed bag under cold water, about an hour or less per 1-pound package; change the water every 30 minutes and cook right away.
- In the fridge
- About a full day Safest; plan ahead
- Cold water
- About 1 hour or less for a…Change water every 30 min
- Microwave
- YesCook right away
- Cook from frozen
- YesAbout 50% longer
Thawing times from USDA FSIS. Checked .
How to thaw chicken wings: every safe method
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | About a full day (24 hours) for a 1-lb package | Use within 1-2 days after thawing |
| Cold water | About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb | Seal in a leak-proof bag, submerge in cold tap water, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately. |
| Microwave | OK | Use the defrost setting and cook immediately; parts of the food may start to cook and warm into the bacteria growth range. |
| Cook from frozen | OK | Safe to cook from frozen; it takes about 50% longer than thawed or fresh (FSIS). |
After it's thawed
Fridge-thawed: use within 1-2 days after thawing. Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking (some quality loss); food thawed in cold water or the microwave must be cooked before refreezing, and anything left out over 2 hours should not be refrozen.
Never thaw it this way
- On the counter / at room temperature: The outer layer warms into the 40-140°F (4-60°C) danger zone, where bacteria multiply rapidly, while the center is still frozen.
- In hot water: Same problem: the surface sits in the danger zone. FSIS's cold-water method uses cold tap water changed every 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
Can I cook wings straight from frozen?
Yes. It's safe to cook frozen poultry; plan on about 50% longer cooking.
Can I refreeze thawed wings?
Only if they were thawed in the refrigerator. Wings thawed in cold water or the microwave should be cooked first.
How to defrost chicken wings fast?
Cold water is the fastest safe method for most packages: About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb. The microwave is faster still, but cook it immediately.
How to thaw chicken wings fast?
Cold water is the fastest safe method for most packages: About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb. The microwave is faster still, but cook it immediately.
How long to defrost chicken wings?
Allow about a full day in the refrigerator for a 1-pound package of wings. In a sealed bag under cold water, about an hour or less per 1-pound package; change the water every 30 minutes and cook right away.
How long to thaw chicken wings?
Allow about a full day in the refrigerator for a 1-pound package of wings. In a sealed bag under cold water, about an hour or less per 1-pound package; change the water every 30 minutes and cook right away.