Fat Free Poultry Delivery or Pickup

Avoid thawing poultry on your countertop. If you have time, it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator. Remove the poultry from the freezer the day before you need it, and transfer it to the refrigerator.

If you only have a few hours, use the cold-water method. Place the poultry in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in a bowl with cold water. Change out the water every 30 minutes or until the meat is fully thawed. A 3lb package of chicken should take a few hours to thaw by this method.

Another option is thawing in the microwave. Place the poultry on a microwave-safe plate and use the defrost setting one minute at a time. Avoid keeping the poultry in the microwave for too long as you don't want it to start cooking.