How long should defrost chicken nuggets before frying?

Raw chicken is very perishable and teeming with bacteria. It should not remain unrefrigerated longer than the short trip from the store to home and for the time it takes to prep it for cooking. Ideally, thawing should be done in the refrigerator. Quick-thaw methods like microwave or water bath can be used, but cooking should be done as soon as it is thawed.