Did I Ruin My Frozen Chicken Tenders?

  • Thread starter Thread starter russ_watters
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the safety of consuming frozen chicken tenders that were left out at room temperature for 6 hours. Participants agree that while the chicken may have thawed, it likely remained safe to eat due to the package still being cool to the touch. Key points include the importance of keeping food out of the "Danger Zone" (between 40°F and 140°F) for extended periods, as bacteria can multiply rapidly in this range. Overall, the consensus is that 6 hours is not excessive for thawing, provided the chicken is cooked thoroughly afterward.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of food safety guidelines, particularly the "Danger Zone" temperatures.
  • Knowledge of thawing methods for frozen foods.
  • Familiarity with bacterial growth and foodborne illness risks.
  • Basic cooking techniques for ensuring food is cooked thoroughly.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research food safety standards from the FDA regarding thawing and cooking meat.
  • Learn about safe thawing methods, such as using a sealed container or cold water bath.
  • Explore the science of bacterial growth in food and how to prevent foodborne illnesses.
  • Investigate proper cooking temperatures for various types of meat to ensure safety.
USEFUL FOR

Home cooks, food safety enthusiasts, and anyone interested in proper thawing and cooking techniques for frozen meats.

  • #31
I assume you survived. Really, 6 hours is not a big deal. When I was a kid, and before everyone was paranoid about bacteria, that was the normal defrosting time for anything frozen...take the meat out from the freezer in the morning before Mom went to work, and leave it out on the counter to defrost all day so it was ready to cook when she got home. As long as you cook it thoroughly, it should be fine. I would not put it back in the fridge to use another day though.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
If you're really paranoid about bacteria, you can put frozen foods in a sealed container (like a covered bowl) to defrost. It may surprise you how long it takes for a package of frozen food to thaw in such an environment, so this could take a bit of practice, but give it a try. If I have frozen meat or seafood to defrost and I'm around to monitor it, I set the package on a dinner-plate on a counter and let it go. If it could take a while to thaw due to the mass of the package, I might cover the plate with a dish-towel so that the food on the outsides of the package does not get too warm while the insides thaw. Never, ever have gotten food-poisoning at home.
 
  • #33
brewnog said:
Medical treatment for salmonella? You guys really are wimps! Just put a bog roll in the fridge and don't venture too far from the khazi.

OK, I'll bite. What's a bog roll, and a khazi?
 
  • #34
Bog roll is a toilet roll (roll of toilet tissue :smile:) from the word bog (think it has UK origin) for toilet. Have no clue where khazi comes from, but I'm guessing it's a synonym for toilet.
 
  • #35
redargon said:
Bog roll is a toilet roll (roll of toilet tissue :smile:) from the word bog (think it has UK origin) for toilet. Have no clue where khazi comes from, but I'm guessing it's a synonym for toilet.

Got it. Put the Sears in the icebox and stay close to the glory hole.

But why are we putting TP in the frig again?
 
  • #36
Phrak said:
why are we putting TP in the frig again?
Perhaps for the numbing effect of the cold...?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
8K
Replies
39
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K