Slow cooking frozen chicken is absolutely possible, as long as you take a few extra precautions. With the right techniques, you can safely cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker and end up with tender, juicy meat. Here’s what you need to know about slow cooking frozen chicken.
Can You Put Frozen Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can put frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker. However, it’s not quite as simple as just tossing the frozen meat in and turning on the slow cooker. There are a few important steps you need to take first.
Most slow cooker manufacturers actually recommend thawing chicken before cooking. Putting frozen chicken in the slow cooker can increase the risk of bacterial growth. Frozen meat takes longer to reach the safe cooking temperature, allowing more time for bacteria to multiply.
However, there are ways to safely cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker if you don’t have time to thaw it. You just need to take a few precautions.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Here are some tips to ensure frozen chicken turns out moist and fully cooked when slow cooking:
- Cut the chicken into smaller pieces before freezing. This allows it to cook more quickly and evenly.
- Don’t overfill the slow cooker. Leave enough room for the chicken pieces to circulate while cooking.
- Add extra cooking time. Start with adding 30-60 more minutes to the recommended cooking time for thawed chicken.
- Use a digital meat thermometer. Check the internal temperature of a few pieces to ensure they reach 165°F.
- Stir occasionally to redistribute juices and promote even cooking.
- Add extra liquid like broth, water, or sauce to help transfer heat.
- Cook on high if your slow cooker has a high setting option.
Following these tips will allow you to safely cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker without having to thaw it first. The key is allowing enough time and monitoring the temperature.
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken in a Slow Cooker
Cooking time can vary greatly depending on the size and amount of frozen chicken, your slow cooker model, and whether you cook on high or low. Here are some general guidelines for how long different cuts of frozen chicken need to cook:
| Chicken Cut | Slow Cook Time on Low | Slow Cook Time on High |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4-6 hours | 3-4 hours |
| Chicken thighs | 6-8 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Drumsticks | 6-8 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Whole chicken | 7-9 hours | 6-8 hours |
Add 30-60 minutes to the times above if cooking a very large quantity of frozen chicken. And always use a thermometer to verify the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some additional tips to ensure your frozen chicken turns out juicy, tender and full of flavor in the slow cooker:
- Use broth, sauce, or cooking juices instead of water as the cooking liquid.
- Mix spices and herbs into the cooking liquid to add flavor.
- Chop veggies like onions, carrots, and celery to add to the slow cooker.
- Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Use a fat separator to remove excess fat after cooking.
- Save cooking juices to make gravy or sauce.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to make mistakes when slow cooking frozen chicken. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Not allowing enough time for frozen chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker so chicken doesn’t cook evenly.
- Undercooking and not verifying internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Not adding extra liquid to help transfer heat from the cooker.
- Forgetting to flip or stir chicken leading to uneven cooking.
- Using the “keep warm” setting too soon, which stops the cooking process.
As long as you add extra time, monitor doneness carefully, and don’t overload the slow cooker, you can avoid these common mistakes.
Slow Cooker Frozen Chicken Recipes
To inspire you, here are some delicious slow cooker recipes you can make with frozen chicken:
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
Flavorful shredded chicken in a spicy, tangy buffalo style sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and pizzas.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken simmered in an incredible creamy, lightly spiced Indian sauce. Serve with rice or naan.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Southwestern-spiced chicken soup loaded with corn, black beans, and topped with tortilla strips.
Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
The classic comfort food of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. So hearty and warming.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Breaded chicken covered in marinara and mozzarella – a saucy, melty version of chicken parm.
Almost any chicken dish can be adapted to work in the slow cooker from frozen chicken. Get creative with your own recipes!
FAQs
Is It Safe to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Slow Cooker?
Yes, as long as basic food safety guidelines are followed. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator before slow cooking for maximum safety. If using frozen chicken, cut into smaller pieces, don’t overfill cooker, use a thermometer to check doneness, and allow extra cooking time.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Slow Cooker?
Plan for around 4-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Larger or thicker breasts may take up to 8 hours on low or 5 on high. Use a food thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F.
Can You Put Frozen Chicken in the Crockpot Overnight?
It’s not recommended to cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker overnight unattended. Chicken must reach 140°F within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Cook frozen chicken for at least 6-8 hours on low or 4-6 on high while monitoring temperature.
What Temp Should Slow Cooked Chicken Be?
Chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thickest part of the meat. For food safety, chicken needs to hold this temperature for at least 15 seconds.
Can You Put Frozen Chicken Drumsticks in the Slow Cooker?
Yes, frozen chicken drumsticks can be placed directly in the slow cooker. Cook them on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 until they reach 165°F internally. Add extra liquid and flip drumsticks halfway through.
Conclusion
Slow cooking frozen chicken requires a bit more care and planning than fresh or thawed chicken. However, with some simple adjustments like cutting chicken into smaller pieces, allowing extra cook time, monitoring temperature, and not overfilling the cooker, you can safely cook frozen chicken to tender perfection. Follow the tips above for foolproof frozen chicken every time in the slow cooker.