Chicken is a versatile and healthy meat that is enjoyed by many. Diced chicken can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, from soups and stir-fries to casseroles and salads. When buying diced chicken at the grocery store, it is often available frozen for convenience. But how long does it take to cook frozen diced chicken properly and safely?
Thawing Frozen Diced Chicken
Before cooking frozen diced chicken, it is best to thaw it first. There are several methods you can use to safely thaw frozen chicken:
- Refrigerator thawing: Place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator in a container to thaw. Allow 1 day for every 1 pound of chicken to thaw.
- Cold water thawing: Place the frozen chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag. Submerge the bag in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. The chicken will thaw in about 2 hours per pound.
- Microwave thawing: Remove chicken from packaging and place in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave using the defrost setting, stopping to turn and break up chicken halfway through. Take care not to begin cooking the chicken.
Never thaw chicken on the counter or in hot water, as this can allow bacteria to grow. Refrigerator thawing is safest, but for quicker thawing use the cold water or microwave methods.
Cooking Thawed Diced Chicken
Once your frozen diced chicken is fully thawed, you can cook it just like you would fresh chicken. Here are some tips for cooking thawed, diced chicken:
- In soups or stews: Add diced chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking so it does not overcook.
- For stir-fries: Cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes while stirring constantly.
- For casseroles or pasta dishes: Cook at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- For salads: Poach diced chicken until fully cooked then let cool before adding to salads.
Use a food thermometer to confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If chicken is browning or drying out but is not yet 165°F, add a small amount of liquid to the pan and continue cooking with the lid on until fully cooked.
Cooking Frozen Diced Chicken
While thawing first is best, you can cook frozen diced chicken directly without thawing first. Here’s how:
- In soups or stews: Add frozen chicken right to the simmering broth. Cover and simmer for 1 hour until chicken is cooked through to 165°F.
- For casseroles: Assemble casserole as recipe directs, using frozen chicken. Bake at 350°F covered for 1 1/4 hours then uncovered for 15 minutes more.
- In skillet dishes: Brown frozen chicken over medium-high heat. Add sauce or liquid, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- For salads and pasta: Poach frozen chicken in simmering broth or water for 10 minutes. Finish cooking until 165°F and cool before using.
Cooking times will need to be extended with frozen chicken. Check for doneness by cutting into a piece of chicken to confirm it’s opaque throughout with no pink in the center and juices run clear.
Approximate Cooking Times for Frozen Diced Chicken
| Cooking Method | Cooking Time from Frozen |
|---|---|
| In simmering soups or stews | 60 minutes |
| Baked in a casserole | 90 minutes covered, 15 minutes uncovered |
| Sauteed or simmered in skillet | 20-25 minutes |
| Poached in broth/water | 20 minutes |
Note that cooking times can vary based on the amount of frozen chicken used. Use a food thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F.
Food Safety with Frozen Diced Chicken
To prevent foodborne illness when cooking with frozen diced chicken, keep these food safety guidelines in mind:
- Only thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave – never at room temperature.
- Cook chicken fully to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.
- Wash hands, utensils, dishes, and cutting boards after handling raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use thawed chicken within 1-2 days and cooked chicken within 3-4 days.
- When reheating cooked chicken, heat it to 165°F.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Diced Chicken
Follow these tips for delicious results when cooking frozen diced chicken:
- For even cooking, try to use chicken pieces of a uniform size.
- Add extra liquid like broth or sauce when simmering or braising frozen chicken.
- Stir frequently when cooking frozen chicken to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use metal or oven-safe glass dishes which conduct heat better when baking frozen chicken.
- If simmering frozen chicken, use a heavy pan like enameled cast iron or stainless steel.
- Frozen chicken can release more moisture and juices during cooking. Use a lid when possible to contain this.
- Avoid overcooking which can cause frozen chicken to dry out. Use a thermometer and remove from heat at 165°F.
Choosing Frozen Diced Chicken
Not all frozen diced chicken is created equal. Here’s what to look for when purchasing:
- Packaging Date – Choose chicken with the longest possible shelf life. Avoid chicken that is frostbitten or has large ice crystals.
- Size – Opt for uniformly diced pieces to ensure even cooking. Common sizes are 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch dice.
- Quality – Look for chicken without excessive fat or cartilage. USDA Grade A chicken provides more consistency.
- Sodium content – Check the label and choose lower sodium options if this is a concern.
- Added ingredients – Some diced chicken contains salt, broth, or other flavorings. Choose plain if following a recipe.
Your frozen diced chicken should look and smell fresh with no off odors. Store frozen and cook thawed or frozen chicken within the recommended time frames for safety.
Freezing Diced Chicken Yourself
Want to save money by buying whole chicken and dicing it yourself? Here’s how to safely freeze diced chicken at home:
- Purchase fresh, raw chicken and dice into the desired size.
- Lay chicken pieces in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours or until fully frozen.
- Transfer frozen chicken pieces to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Label bags with contents and date. Use within 3-4 months for best quality.
Make sure to freeze chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing for safety. Freeze in recipe-ready portions for convenience. Defrost only as much as needed before cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen diced chicken just takes a bit more time and care than fresh. Allow for proper thawing or extended cooking times when using frozen chicken in your favorite dishes. Check the internal temperature using a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe 165°F. Handle frozen chicken carefully to prevent contamination. With these tips, frozen diced chicken can be a quick and easy way to whip up soups, salads, casseroles, and more for busy home cooks.