Expert: Carol Schlitt - 9/26/2006

Question
I put a package of 4 raw frozen chicken breasts in the refrigerator last night to thaw, and this morning they were still pretty frozen so I put them in cold water at 7am and left for work. I came home to check on them at 9am and the water was out of the sick, so I put them in the refrigerator. I will be home at 4pm today, will they be safe to cook?


Answer
Hi Carmen,

Chances are that since they were only at room temperature for 2 hours, the internal temperature of the chicken did not rise significantly to a level that rapidly supports the growth of bacteria.

Can I give you a 100% assurance of safety -- no.  However, I feel your chances for illness are very, very low and as long as you cook the chicken to an internal temperature of at least 165 -- you should be safe.

Carol