How To Defrost Chicken Drumsticks?

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no cost to you.

Frozen chicken drumsticks may not seem easy to defrost if you do not know the right way to defrost them. You have to make sure that you opt for the method of defrosting chicken drumsticks that will thaw the chicken drumsticks evenly.

You also have to ensure that the method you opt for defrosting chicken drumsticks prevents bacterial growth. The following article will explain the right ways to defrost chicken drumsticks.

Table of Contents

How long does it take to defrost chicken drumsticks?

Defrosting chicken drumsticks could take from 24 hours to a few minutes depending upon the number of chicken drumsticks and the method by which you are defrosting them. If you are defrosting the chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator, it could take about 20 to 24 hours to thaw completely.

It could also take a few hours longer than if the size and quantity of chicken drumsticks are large.

You can also defrost the chicken drumsticks in a bowl or sink filled with cold water. This way of thawing could take two to three hours for the chicken drumsticks to defrost properly. The above-mentioned defrosting methods are quite effective in evenly defrosting chicken drumsticks, but they are a bit time-consuming.

If you are running out of time, you could opt for a fast-defrosting method in the microwave oven. Although this method of defrosting is not recommended, you can still go for it in emergencies.

How do I defrost chicken drumsticks fast?

Sometimes when you have less time and cannot wait for hours to let the drumsticks defrost, you could thaw them in a microwave. It is the fastest method to defrost chicken drumsticks as it will thaw them in just eight to ten minutes.

Can I defrost chicken drumsticks in a refrigerator?

Defrosting chicken drumsticks in a refrigerator is the most effective way to defrost chicken drumsticks as it will thaw them evenly. You will have to place the frozen chicken drumsticks on a plate to catch drippings and place that plate in the refrigerator. You will perfectly thawed chicken drumsticks in 24 to 30 hours, depending upon their size and quantity.

Although this thawing method is time-consuming, it is the most preferred method of defrosting chicken drumsticks. Once the drumsticks are thawed, you can cook them by using a recipe from the chicken cookbook.

Can I defrost chicken drumsticks in a microwave?

If you are short of time and want the chicken drumsticks to defrost in a matter of minutes, then you could defrost them in the microwave oven. For that, take out the frozen chicken drumsticks from the freezer and remove the plastic covering. Then place the drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate and put the plate in the microwave.

Turn on the defrost settings of the microwave and microwave the drumsticks for five to ten minutes. Check and flip the sides of the drumsticks every two minutes. To avoid bacterial growth, you should cook the drumsticks or fry them in a deep fryer right away.

Can I defrost chicken drumsticks in water?

If you want completely defrosted chicken drumsticks in just a few hours, then you should thaw them in a bowl or sink full of cold water. Put the air-tight plastic bag of frozen drumsticks submerged in a bowl or sink of cold water, and make sure you change the water every 30 minutes. You will perfectly thawed chicken drumsticks in two to three hours.

Once the chicken drumsticks are defrosted, you should cook or grill them right away to avoid bacterial growth. You could cook them in a pan or barbeque them on a charcoal grill.