Cooking chicken straight from frozen in the crockpot is entirely possible, but does require some special considerations. With the right techniques and recipes, you can safely thaw and cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker with delicious results.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken in a Crock Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the crockpot. However, there are a few important guidelines to follow:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Bones and skin can prevent heat from circulating properly.
- Defrost slightly before cooking. Defrosting for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator allows meat to cook more evenly.
- Cut into smaller pieces. Smaller cuts of chicken will cook through more quickly.
- Cook on low setting. Low heat for longer cook times allows chicken to thaw and cook through without burning.
- Use a broth, sauce, or liquid. The additional liquid helps to thaw and moisturize the chicken.
- Cook for the recommended time. Frozen chicken pieces may need to cook for 7-9 hours on low depending on size.
Why You Should Defrost First
For food safety reasons, the USDA recommends thawing chicken in the refrigerator before cooking. Here are some of the key reasons it’s best to defrost before cooking chicken in the slow cooker:
- Ensures chicken cooks through – Frozen centers take much longer to reach safe minimum internal temp.
- Avoids uneven cooking – Exterior can overcook while middle is still frozen.
- Reduces food borne illness risk – Bacteria can thrive in warm, moist environments.
- Allows better moisture absorption – Thawed meat absorbs flavors and liquids better.
- Saves cooking time – Fully frozen chicken may take too long to cook properly.
For best results, defrost frozen chicken for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator before adding to the slow cooker. You can also defrost in the microwave using the “defrost” setting if pressed for time.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken in the Crockpot
Follow these tips to safely thaw and cook frozen chicken in the crockpot:
- Prepare chicken – Cut into 1-2 inch pieces, remove skin/bones, and trim excess fat.
- Partially thaw – Defrost chicken for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator beforehand.
- Preheat on sauté – Browning the chicken first helps seal in moisture and improves flavor.
- Add liquid – Use broth, sauce, or sauce to prevent drying out and help conduct heat.
- Cook on low – Low heat for 7-9 hours allows time for thorough thawing and cooking.
- Shred at end – Use forks to shred chicken prior to serving for tender results.
- Check internal temp – Chicken should reach 165°F internally before serving.
Best Liquids for Cooking Frozen Chicken
Using a broth, sauce, or other liquid is key when slow cooking frozen chicken. The additional moisture helps thaw, tenderize, and prevent drying out. Here are some excellent options:
- Chicken broth – Classic choice to add moisture andChicken broth – Classic choice to add moisture and flavor.
- Salsa – Tomatoes, spices, and acidity from salsa seasoning pair perfectly with chicken.
- Coconut milk – Provides richness and tenderizes chicken beautifully.
- BBQ sauce – Infuses smoky, tangy barbecue flavor throughout.
- Tomato sauce – Bright acidity and savory umami taste.
- White wine – Delicate acidity and fruity aroma.
- Teriyaki sauce – Sweet, salty, savory glaze.
- Italian dressing – Zip of acidity and Mediterranean herbs.
Aim for 1-2 cups of liquid to prevent drying out while cooking. You can also use a combination, like salsa and chicken broth. Let your tastes guide you!
Step-by-Step Recipe for Frozen Chicken
This simple crockpot recipe results in juicy, flavorful shredded chicken cooked straight from frozen:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1 cup chicken broth or liquid of choice
- 1 packet taco seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Trim excess fat from chicken and cut into pieces.
- Place chicken in slow cooker and top with chicken broth and seasoning.
- Cook on low setting for 7-8 hours until chicken shreds easily.
- Shred chicken with two forks and add any accumulated juices.
- Use in tacos, sandwiches, casseroles, and more!
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken in Crockpot
Cooking time can vary based on the size and amount of frozen chicken. Here are some guidelines for how long to cook frozen chicken breasts or thighs in a crockpot:
| Chicken Amount | Cook Time on Low |
|---|---|
| 1 lb chicken pieces | 4-6 hours |
| 2 lbs chicken pieces | 6-8 hours |
| 3-4 lbs chicken pieces | 8-10 hours |
| Whole chicken (4-6 lbs) | 8-10 hours |
Check chicken at minimum cook times by shredding a piece with a fork. If it doesn’t shred easily, continue cooking until fully tenderized.
Frozen Chicken Crockpot Recipes
Here are some delicious recipe ideas for cooking frozen chicken in the slow cooker:
BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Frozen chicken pieces
- BBQ sauce
- Chicken broth
- Onion, garlic, seasoning
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
- Frozen chicken
- Jerk seasoning
- Chicken broth
- Onions, garlic, thyme
- Lime juice
Mediterranean Chicken
- Frozen chicken
- Artichoke hearts
- Sun dried tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Garlic, oregano, parsley
Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Frozen chicken pieces
- Salsa
- Chicken broth
- Corn, beans, spices
- Tortilla strips
Asian Orange Chicken
- Frozen chicken
- Orange marmalade
- Soy sauce, sesame oil
- Garlic, ginger, spices
- Scallions
Frozen Chicken FAQs
Is it safe to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot?
Yes, as long as food safety precautions are followed. Partially thaw chicken first and use a food thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally before serving.
Should you boil frozen chicken in crockpot?
No, boiling can make the chicken tough and dry. Cook on low heat for best results. The gentle heat allows chicken to cook through evenly from frozen state.
Can I put frozen raw chicken directly in the crockpot?
It’s not recommended. Fully frozen chicken takes too long to cook through, leading to food safety concerns. Defrosting first allows more even cooking.
What temperature should I cook frozen chicken to?
Cook frozen chicken in the crockpot until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, as measured by a food thermometer. This ensures any bacteria are killed.
Can I use an instant pot instead of crockpot?
Yes, instant pots can also safely cook frozen chicken. Use the pressure cook setting and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until chicken is fully cooked.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen chicken in the crockpot is convenient and budget-friendly. With proper thawing, temperature regulation, and cook times, you can make delicious shredded chicken, soups, and entrees safely from the frozen state. Follow the tips above for fool-proof results. Now go experiment with the amazing flavors possible with frozen chicken and your slow cooker!