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Food Preparation
How to Defrost Pork Chops Download Article Co-authored by Sasha Reyes
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 References
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Using Cold Water to Defrost Pork Chops
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Thawing Pork Chops in the Microwave
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Video
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Expert Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
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Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Sasha Reyes. Chef Sasha Reyes is the Executive Chef and Owner of Artisan Personal Chefs. With over 20 years of food industry experience, she specializes in private dinner parties, custom sports nutrition plans for professional athletes, and cooking lessons. Chef Reyes graduated from Arizona Culinary Institute in 2011 with a degree in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Restaurant Management. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 133,333 times.
The best and the safest way to defrost frozen pork chops is to leave them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This, however, takes a bit of meal-prep foresight. Fortunately, you can still make dinner on time even if the chops are in the freezer when you get home. With cold water and a microwave, you have 2 quick, safe ways to defrost ice-cold chops in a pinch.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Using Cold Water to Defrost Pork Chops
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1 Prepare a bowl with cold tap water. Temperature is key when it comes to safely defrosting frozen food; the water should always be in the cold range. Fill the bowl to a water level that will allow you to fully submerge the pork chops.[1]X Expert Source Sasha ReyesExecutive ChefExpert Interview
Bacteria multiplies more rapidly starting at 40°F so using cold water only keeps the pork chops below this temperature.
2 Wrap the pork chops in leak-proof packaging. You can wrap the pork chops individually or if the cuts are stacked, place them together as one in a resealable plastic bag.[2]X Expert Source Sasha ReyesExecutive ChefExpert Interview Such protective packaging will prevent any water from reaching the meat and potentially introducing bacteria from the air. Advertisement
3 Submerge the pork chops into the cold bath.[3]X Expert Source Sasha ReyesExecutive ChefExpert Interview You will want to keep the water from reaching room temperature, so switch it out every 20 to 30 minutes with more cold water.[4]XResearch source
You could also place the bowl under a running tap, though this way will waste water.
4 Remove pork chops from the cold bath as they thaw out. Expect the individually wrapped chops to thaw in about 30 minutes. For stacked chops, the top and bottom pieces will defrost first. Once thawed, break away these pieces and transfer them to the refrigerator. Reseal the remaining chops and submerge them in the cold bath again.[5]XResearch source
Once thawed in cold water, pork chops must be cooked before you can freeze them again.
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Thawing Pork Chops in the Microwave
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1 Place unwrapped pork chops evenly on a microwave-safe plate. If you have one pork chop, make sure it's in the center. If you have three, divide the plate into three equal parts. To help a microwave thaw more evenly, remove any packaging.
If the pork chops are different sizes, place the smaller or thinner ones in the center of the plate as the edges of a carousel are the hottest.[6]XResearch source
2 Use the 30% (low) or 50% (medium) power setting for 2 minutes. Microwaves vary when it comes to power and efficiency. The "high" or regular setting for any microwave though would be too powerful for thawing.
The "defrost" setting on a microwave is equal to 30-50% power.[7]XResearch source
3 Turn the pork chops; thaw for another 2 minutes. Because microwaves cook unevenly, you should flip and also rotate the pork chops to help with heat distribution. Use a fork or a pair of chopsticks to handle the chops and continue the process until the chops are thawed, which could take 5-10 minutes depending on how many pieces you have.
If the chops are stacked, start with 30-second bursts and separate the pieces into a single layer as soon as you can.
The edges of the pork chops may begin to cook during this process.
4 Remove the thawed pork chops from the microwave and prepare to cook. Because food thawed in the microwave should be cooked immediately, you'll want to defrost your pork chops 10 or so minutes before you're ready to cook, grill, or roast them.[8]XResearch source
As with cold-bath thawing, you can safely refreeze the pork chops after cooking.
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Join the Discussion...
What's the fastest way to defrost meat? Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef The fastest way to defrost meat would be in the microwave; however, I don't recommend it. It can burn or dry out the edges of the meat. If you have to use the microwave, use the DEFROST option and be sure to only put it in for a specific amount of time. Take it out and check on it frequently.Rather than using the microwave, I recommend either 1) putting the meat in a pot and heating it on the stove, or 2) putting it in the sink and letting warm (not hot) water run over it. Take the time to thaw meat correctly, rather than using the microwave. Your taste buds will thank you. Read More JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef To defrost meat fast, put it in a leakproof bag and place it in the sink under cool running tap water, turning it every few minutes. This method does require you to use a whole bunch of tap water, but you can't just let the meat sit in warm water, because it’s going to be in the “danger zone” of temperature, and the bacteria will divide on the cells on the surface. If it's under cool running water, it will be in the safe temperature zone. Read More See all 3 Replies and Read Discussion
Expert Q&A
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Question How long does pork chops take to defrost? Sasha Reyes Executive Chef Chef Sasha Reyes is the Executive Chef and Owner of Artisan Personal Chefs. With over 20 years of food industry experience, she specializes in private dinner parties, custom sports nutrition plans for professional athletes, and cooking lessons. Chef Reyes graduated from Arizona Culinary Institute in 2011 with a degree in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Restaurant Management. Sasha Reyes Executive Chef Expert Answer It takes anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour for pork chops to defrost—it really depends on the thickness, though. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
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Video
Tips
Thawing frozen meat or chicken in the refrigerator is the safest approach. Size determines how long the thawing should take, but for pork chops, overnight should be sufficient time. By comparison, a whole turkey takes 1 to 3 days to thaw.[9]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
When thawing in a refrigerator, note that the bottom shelf is the coldest for fridge freezers while the top section is coldest for refrigerators with ice makers. [10]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Warnings
Never leave perishable foods, like frozen pork chops, to defrost on the counter. Doing so leaves food vulnerable to bacteria, which could lead to foodborne illness. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Do not leave perishable foods from the refrigerator or freezer at room temperature for more than 2 hours.[11]X Trustworthy Source FoodSafety.govOnline portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Be sure to use soap to wash your hands, as well as any utensils and surfaces that may come in contact with the uncooked chops during the thawing process.[12]X Trustworthy Source FoodSafety.govOnline portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need
large bowl (or pot)
water
leak-proof plastic bags
microwave
microwave-safe plate
fork or chopsticks
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Co-authored by: Sasha Reyes Executive Chef This article was co-authored by Sasha Reyes. Chef Sasha Reyes is the Executive Chef and Owner of Artisan Personal Chefs. With over 20 years of food industry experience, she specializes in private dinner parties, custom sports nutrition plans for professional athletes, and cooking lessons. Chef Reyes graduated from Arizona Culinary Institute in 2011 with a degree in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Restaurant Management. This article has been viewed 133,333 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 6Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 133,333 Categories: Food PreparationArticle SummaryX
The best way to defrost your frozen pork chops is to leave them in the fridge overnight. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can defrost them in water. Just put the pork chops in a sealable bag and submerge them in a bowl of cold water. If your pork chops are stacked, separate them as soon as you can so they defrost quicker. It should take individual pork chops about 30 minutes to defrost, but if it takes longer, replace the water with cold water to keep it at the right temperature. Alternatively, place your pork chops unwrapped on a plate and microwave them on a low or defrost setting for 2 minutes at a time. Flip them each time so they thaw evenly. This should take between 5 and 10 minutes. For more tips, including how to easily separate stacked pork chops, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Sasha Reyes Executive Chef 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 6Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 133,333
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Download Article Co-authored by Sasha Reyes 
Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef The fastest way to defrost meat would be in the microwave; however, I don't recommend it. It can burn or dry out the edges of the meat. If you have to use the microwave, use the DEFROST option and be sure to only put it in for a specific amount of time. Take it out and check on it frequently.Rather than using the microwave, I recommend either 1) putting the meat in a pot and heating it on the stove, or 2) putting it in the sink and letting warm (not hot) water run over it. Take the time to thaw meat correctly, rather than using the microwave. Your taste buds will thank you. Read More 
JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef To defrost meat fast, put it in a leakproof bag and place it in the sink under cool running tap water, turning it every few minutes. This method does require you to use a whole bunch of tap water, but you can't just let the meat sit in warm water, because it’s going to be in the “danger zone” of temperature, and the bacteria will divide on the cells on the surface. If it's under cool running water, it will be in the safe temperature zone. Read More 
How to Thaw Bacon Quickly & Safely for Cooking 
How toDefrost Hot Dogs 
How toDefrost Meat in the Microwave 
How to Thaw a Frozen Ham Safely (Large Cuts & Slices) 
How toDefrost Burgers 
How to Defrost Chicken Quickly in the Fridge, Microwave, or Cold Water 
How to Quickly Defrost Frozen Fruits 
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Co-authored by: Sasha Reyes Executive Chef This article was co-authored by Sasha Reyes. Chef Sasha Reyes is the Executive Chef and Owner of Artisan Personal Chefs. With over 20 years of food industry experience, she specializes in private dinner parties, custom sports nutrition plans for professional athletes, and cooking lessons. Chef Reyes graduated from Arizona Culinary Institute in 2011 with a degree in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Restaurant Management. This article has been viewed 133,333 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 133,333 Categories: Food Preparation Article SummaryX
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1 Prepare a bowl with cold tap water. Temperature is key when it comes to safely defrosting frozen food; the water should always be in the cold range. Fill the bowl to a water level that will allow you to fully submerge the pork chops.[1] 
2 Wrap the pork chops in leak-proof packaging. You can wrap the pork chops individually or if the cuts are stacked, place them together as one in a resealable plastic bag.[2] Such protective packaging will prevent any water from reaching the meat and potentially introducing bacteria from the air. Advertisement 
3 Submerge the pork chops into the cold bath.[3] You will want to keep the water from reaching room temperature, so switch it out every 20 to 30 minutes with more cold water.[4] 
4 Remove pork chops from the cold bath as they thaw out. Expect the individually wrapped chops to thaw in about 30 minutes. For stacked chops, the top and bottom pieces will defrost first. Once thawed, break away these pieces and transfer them to the refrigerator. Reseal the remaining chops and submerge them in the cold bath again.[5] 
1 Place unwrapped pork chops evenly on a microwave-safe plate. If you have one pork chop, make sure it's in the center. If you have three, divide the plate into three equal parts. To help a microwave thaw more evenly, remove any packaging. 
2 Use the 30% (low) or 50% (medium) power setting for 2 minutes. Microwaves vary when it comes to power and efficiency. The "high" or regular setting for any microwave though would be too powerful for thawing. 
3 Turn the pork chops; thaw for another 2 minutes. Because microwaves cook unevenly, you should flip and also rotate the pork chops to help with heat distribution. Use a fork or a pair of chopsticks to handle the chops and continue the process until the chops are thawed, which could take 5-10 minutes depending on how many pieces you have. 
4 Remove the thawed pork chops from the microwave and prepare to cook. Because food thawed in the microwave should be cooked immediately, you'll want to defrost your pork chops 10 or so minutes before you're ready to cook, grill, or roast them.[8] 
Sasha Reyes Executive Chef Chef Sasha Reyes is the Executive Chef and Owner of Artisan Personal Chefs. With over 20 years of food industry experience, she specializes in private dinner parties, custom sports nutrition plans for professional athletes, and cooking lessons. Chef Reyes graduated from Arizona Culinary Institute in 2011 with a degree in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Restaurant Management.