Accidentally froze chicken drumsticks, can I use them and how?
May 5, 2019 1:49 PM Subscribe
I bought some drumsticks yesterday at TJ's to cook today. They were supposed to be kept refrigerated, but I accidentally put them in the freezer. Now they're frozen solid. Can I still use them and would they be good? If so, how to go about it -- thaw them in the fridge first or is there a quicker way?
Most microwaves have a defrost cycle, which seems to start at 1/3 power and go up to @ 1/2 power. If you don't have a microwave, put them in cool (not warm) water in a bowl, and leave cool water on in a trickle.
posted by theora55 at 1:54 PM on May 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by theora55 at 1:54 PM on May 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
My biggest concern would be freezer burn as the packaging it was in wouldn’t be suited for long-term freezer storage. But since you only bought them yesterday, I’m sure you’re fine.
posted by acidnova at 2:02 PM on May 5, 2019
posted by acidnova at 2:02 PM on May 5, 2019
Best answer: Thawing in the fridge is best, but it can safely be done more quickly if you immerse in a sink full of cold water. Don't leave it immersed for more than a couple hours though, because eventually the water will assume room temperature.
The thaw/defrost setting on most microwaves isn't very good for foods that have sensitive textures. The power output isn't actually reduced, it's just cycling a few seconds on at full power and a few seconds off.
posted by theory at 2:09 PM on May 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
The thaw/defrost setting on most microwaves isn't very good for foods that have sensitive textures. The power output isn't actually reduced, it's just cycling a few seconds on at full power and a few seconds off.
posted by theory at 2:09 PM on May 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
You can cook chicken from frozen, it will just take a little longer. As long as it's baked or stove top or grill, not slow cooker, which might put it in the danger zone, according to Cooking Light.
There are lots of recipes for baked frozen chicken, whole and parts.
I used to cook frozen chicken breasts all the time. Just use a meat thermometer or cut into it to make sure it's done.
If stuck together, you can rinse them to separate, then pat dry and put on your roasting tray.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 2:19 PM on May 5, 2019 [3 favorites]
There are lots of recipes for baked frozen chicken, whole and parts.
I used to cook frozen chicken breasts all the time. Just use a meat thermometer or cut into it to make sure it's done.
If stuck together, you can rinse them to separate, then pat dry and put on your roasting tray.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 2:19 PM on May 5, 2019 [3 favorites]
They are fine if defrosted safely.
If thou would like to live deliciously, consider placing the frozen drumsticks in a buttermilk brine, leaving them in the fridge overnight to defrost/marinate simultaneously in said brine, and then baking them (or frying them if that was your intention) the next evening.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 2:32 PM on May 5, 2019 [3 favorites]
If thou would like to live deliciously, consider placing the frozen drumsticks in a buttermilk brine, leaving them in the fridge overnight to defrost/marinate simultaneously in said brine, and then baking them (or frying them if that was your intention) the next evening.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 2:32 PM on May 5, 2019 [3 favorites]
The thaw/defrost setting on most microwaves isn't very good for foods that have sensitive textures.
If, however, you have a Panasonic microwave with the Inverter Turbo Defrost, go forth and defrost! Enter an accurate weight for the package, and the micro works its magic. I usually check the meat some time in the last minute, just in case, but the full time is usually needed.
posted by DrGail at 3:28 PM on May 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
If, however, you have a Panasonic microwave with the Inverter Turbo Defrost, go forth and defrost! Enter an accurate weight for the package, and the micro works its magic. I usually check the meat some time in the last minute, just in case, but the full time is usually needed.
posted by DrGail at 3:28 PM on May 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Fridge is fine, as is a bowl of cold water, but don’t set them on the counter to thaw.
Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Never thaw foods on the counter, because bacteria multiply quickly in the parts of the food that reach room temperature.
From the CDC.
I wouldn’t recommend microwave unless you're experienced with that (and it sounds like not hence the question), because that can easily cook parts while thawing and it will come out rubbery and tougher if that happens, though bone-in and dark meat mitigate that risk, compared to e.g. boneless breasts.
posted by SaltySalticid at 1:53 PM on May 5, 2019 [1 favorite]