Defrosting chicken takes minimum 30 mins - 2 hours to fully soften. It usually depends on the weight and size of the chicken and the process you are adopting. If run under cold water it will take at least 30 mins for one pound of chicken to defrost. While defrosting chicken in the refrigerator might take upto 2 days. But thawing chicken in the microwave is the most recommendable method as it is easy and hassle-free and takes 10 - 20 mins minimum.