How to defrost a frozen chicken pie
Defrost a frozen chicken pie in the fridge, still wrapped, for 12 to 24 hours depending on size, then eat or bake it within 24 hours. Never defrost a chicken pie on the counter. Many cooked and raw pies can also be baked straight from frozen, which is often the better option.
By the chickenpie.net test kitchen · Published 8 July 2026
Fridge defrosting, step by step
The fridge keeps the pie below 5C (41F) for the whole thaw, so bacteria never get a foothold. It is slow but it is the only fully safe passive method.
- Leave the pie in its wrapping or container to protect the pastry from fridge air
- Place it on a plate or tray to catch any drips
- Allow 12 hours for individual pies and up to 24 hours for a large family pie
- Once thawed, bake or reheat to 74C (165F) and eat within 24 hours
Baking from frozen instead
For most pies, skipping the thaw gives a better result. A frozen unbaked pie can go straight into a hot oven, typically at 190C (375F), with roughly 20 to 30 minutes added to the normal baking time.
A fully baked frozen pie can be reheated from frozen at 180C (350F), covered loosely with foil for the first half so the pastry does not scorch before the centre warms. Either way, the middle of the filling must reach 74C (165F) before serving.
If the pie is shop bought, follow the packet. Manufacturers test their own from frozen instructions, and they are usually reliable. For homemade pies, err towards a slightly lower temperature and a longer bake so the centre has time to catch up with the crust.
What not to do
Do not defrost a chicken pie at room temperature. The outside spends hours in the danger zone between 5C and 60C (41F and 140F) while the centre is still frozen.
Avoid defrosting in the microwave unless you will cook the pie immediately afterwards, because microwaves warm the edges unevenly and start cooking them. And once a pie has thawed, do not refreeze it. If you are unsure whether a pie thawed safely, discard it rather than gamble.