Can you defrost chicken at room temperature?
No. Official Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland guidance says to defrost food in the fridge, not at room temperature.
Why the worktop is not recommended
Food can get too warm at room temperature, allowing bacteria to grow. Defrost chicken in the fridge instead, following the packet instructions.
If you need it sooner
For England, Wales and Northern Ireland, current FSA guidance supports using a microwave defrost setting directly before cooking when fridge defrosting is not possible.
For Scotland, the checker cannot confirm microwave defrosting because equivalent current FSS consumer guidance has not been directly verified. Follow current FSS and packet guidance.
Use the checker for your situation
This page gives general UK guidance. Check your food for the situations Safe to Eat? currently covers.
Sources and scope
Last checked: 6 September 2026.
This resource is based on UK food-safety guidance and does not replace the checker’s personalised questions. Read how the checker works and see the official sources.