how long do you defrost a whole chicken?
In the Refrigerator A whole chicken will still take quite a while to thaw. You should plan on at least 24 hours for every 5 pounds. So a 6-pound chicken will take a bit longer than 24 hours to thaw, and a 9-pound chicken will take two full days to thaw. The best way to thaw a whole chicken is in your refrigerator.