Defrosting Chicken In Water Time. If you’re in a bind and need chicken breasts now, the microwave is your best bet. Depending on how much chicken you are using, the chicken will defrost at different times.

This will stop the water from damaging the meat tissue as well as any bacteria from infecting the food. Using this method, ground meat will thaw in as little as an hour, a small package of boneless chicken will thaw in one to two hours, and larger amounts and bigger cuts may take a few hours. Fill a large bowl or your kitchen sink with cold water.