Absolutely, you can cook chicken in frozen form. Isn’t that great news?
I have a small family so I like to stock up on a week or two groceries at once. This practice not only saves time but also saves energy and lets you plan out meals a week ahead.
My thirty-something brain forgets the routine things the most. I am sure it is relatable for many.
I forget to defrost chicken before cooking or at times guests show up unannounced. This is when you have to be super creative and whip up dinner.
Once I had a moment of panic when ten friends came over and I didn’t have many shami kebabs. In that moment of panic, I learned that one can cook chicken from frozen form.
Many people wonder, "Can you cook chicken from frozen?" and the answer is a resounding yes.
Cooking chicken straight from the freezer is not only possible but also super convenient for those busy weeknights when you're short on time.
The key is to ensure that you follow safe cooking practices. Whether you're using an oven, stovetop, or air fryer, just remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly.
So next time you forget to defrost chicken and wonder what to do for dinner, rejoice in knowing that a delicious meal is just a little extra patience away.
Best Methods for Cooking Frozen Chicken
Instant Pot Magic
Why It’s Great
Using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker is one of the fastest ways to cook frozen chicken. It keeps the chicken juicy and tender. This method is ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick meal.
How to Do It
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Place the frozen chicken in the pot. For added flavour, add some aromatics like garlic or onion, along with about 1 cup of liquid (chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water).
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Seal the lid and cook on high pressure. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces:
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Boneless Chicken Breasts: 10-12 minutes
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Bone-in Chicken Breasts: 15-18 minutes
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Chicken Thighs: 12-15 minutes
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Whole Chicken: 25-30 minutes
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Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release for 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully switch to a manual release to let out any remaining pressure.
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Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Your chicken is now ready to shred, slice, or serve!
Oven Baked Goodness
Why It’s Great
Baking is hands-off, the best method that allows you to season the chicken just the way you like it. This technique is perfect for preparing larger quantities, making it great for meal prep.
How to Do It
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential for even cooking.
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Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminium foil for easy cleanup. Place the frozen chicken in a single layer on the sheet.
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Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any favourite herbs (like thyme or rosemary).
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Cook for about 50% longer than you would for thawed chicken. Here are some general cooking times:
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Boneless Chicken Breasts: 30-40 minutes
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Bone-in Chicken Breasts: 40-50 minutes
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Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: 50-60 minutes
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the internal temperature. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Stovetop Searing
Why It’s Great
This method gives a delicious, golden-brown crust to the chicken and is relatively quick. It’s perfect for a quick dinner when you’re short on time.
How to Do It
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In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil) over medium heat until it shimmers.
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Add the frozen chicken directly to the pan. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust to form, so resist the urge to move the chicken too much.
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After searing, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. This traps steam and helps cook the chicken through.
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Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉. If it’s not done, cover it and cook it a bit longer.
Air Fryer
Why It’s Great
An air fryer cooks chicken quickly and gives it a crispy texture without the need for much oil. It’s a healthier option that still satisfies those cravings for fried food!
How to Do It
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Set the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
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Lightly coat the frozen chicken with oil to help it crisp up. Season it with favourite spices— garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
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Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Fresh Chicken At Save Co
Are you worried if the frozen chicken that you will cook is clean and fresh or not?
At Save Co, we follow strict protocols to deliver fresh and clean chicken to our valued customers. Our fresh meat range is HMC-certified and halal. We always deliver top-notch fresh meat that is ready to cook straight from the packet.
So don't worry about the quality and cleanliness of the meat as we are there to take care of it. You can freely use our range without any worry and focus on creating yummy culinary creations.
