Cooking frozen chicken breast in a slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is a convenient hands-off way to prepare delicious home-cooked meals. With just a few simple steps, you can have juicy, flavorful chicken breast ready for anything from chicken sandwiches to healthy salads and more. But an important question is, how long does it actually take to cook frozen chicken breast in a slow cooker?
The answer depends on a few factors
Size of the Chicken Breasts
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Smaller chicken breasts will cook faster than larger, thicker ones. Boneless, skinless breasts that are 4-6 ounces may only take 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
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Larger breasts around 8-12 ounces may need 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.
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When in doubt, opt for slightly longer cook times to ensure the centers are fully cooked
Type of Slow Cooker
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Older slow cooker models tend to run a bit cooler than newer digital ones. You may need to increase cook times by 30 minutes to an hour.
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Modern slow cookers with precise temperature controls will cook faster and more evenly. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for best results.
Quantity Being Cooked
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The more chicken you add to the slow cooker, the longer it will take. Overcrowding will prevent proper heat circulation.
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For 4-6 chicken breasts, keep cook times the same. For larger quantities, add 30-60 minutes.
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Place breasts in a single layer and avoid stacking for most even cooking.
Preparation of the Chicken
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Completely frozen chicken breasts will take longer than partially thawed ones.
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For best results, thaw breasts in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
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If using fully frozen, add 1-2 hours to the cook time and ensure breasts are submerged in liquid.
Temperature Setting
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On the low setting, frozen breasts need 8-10 hours. High heat reduces time to 4-6 hours.
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Quicker “simmer” functions, if available, can cook from frozen in 2-3 hours.
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Always use a food thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Tips for Juicy, Tender Chicken Breasts
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Sprinkle with seasoning before cooking. Try garlic powder, paprika, Italian blend, or Montreal chicken.
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Add 1/2 cup of liquid such as broth, salsa, or barbecue sauce to prevent drying out.
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Shred chicken with forks once cooked then return to cooker for 15 minutes to absorb juices.
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Let chicken rest 10-15 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
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Add veggies like potatoes, carrots, onions in the last hour to make a full meal.
Sample Cook Times
- 2 small frozen breasts on low: 6-8 hours
- 4 medium breasts on high: 4-6 hours
- 6 large breasts on quick cook: 2-3 hours
*Remember, cook times are a guide. Always verify doneness with a thermometer for food safety. Letting the chicken cook a bit longer ensures tender results without drying out.
Cooking frozen chicken breast in the slow cooker couldn’t be easier. With the right cook times and a few simple tips, you can enjoy convenience without sacrificing texture or flavor. Experiment with different seasonings, liquids, and vegetables to customize your recipes. In no time, you’ll be serving up juicy, delicious chicken breast meals straight from the crockpot!
Can I Cook Frozen Chicken in a Crock Pot?
The USDA recommends thawing meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker.
They cite the fact that frozen pieces will take longer to reach safe internal temperatures, which is a known cause for foodborne illness. Additionally, frozen or partially frozen foods will also cool everything else in the slow cooker and contribute to a longer cooking time and a less safe cooking environment.
With all of this in mind, some meals are designed for use in the slow cooker that may be frozen. The manufacturer’s instructions will be your best bet for food safety and preparation.
The USDA has also addressed slow cooker food safety guidelines that will help users make the best choices and use the best practices when making meals with a crock pot. We strongly suggest reading these no matter what you plan to make!
When preparing chicken in the slow cooker, it is helpful to make the chicken by itself, without any other sides included. This prevents the cooling of other food items, and the transfer of temperatures between ingredients.
Cooking frozen chicken in the crock pot can make a great shredded or pulled chicken that can be used for multiple recipes.
Here are some of our favorite recipes to make with your shredded crock pot chicken!
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken
It will take approximately 4-6 hours to cook chicken from frozen in a slow cooker, depending on the amount of chicken and the specific functions of your slow cooker. And of course, it will depend on the size of the frozen chicken pieces — there’s a big difference between a few chicken thighs and a whole frozen chicken. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
This method of cooking chicken from frozen takes a while, but hey, it’s called a slow cooker for a reason, right?
If this slow cooking process is too long to wait, you can help the chicken thaw more quickly by sealing it in a bag and placing it in a bowl of cold water. Never use hot water for this step! It may take about an hour to thaw, but it keeps you out of the danger zone for food-borne illnesses. Do not leave thawed chicken out at room temperature for more than two hours for the same reason.
The good news is you can always defrost chicken in a microwave if needed.
Ingredients for making frozen chicken in a crock pot or slow cooker:
- Frozen chicken breast (or two)
- Butter (optional)
- Poultry seasoning
- A little bit of salt and black pepper
The seasoning mix is up to you. It could include chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, jerk chicken seasoning, or our chicken taco seasoning. These will all give you a flavorful chicken.
How to make frozen chicken breasts in a crock pot or slow cooker:
- Add chicken breasts, butter, poultry seasoning, and salt and pepper into the crock pot.
- Cook on low heat for 6 hours or high heat for 4 hours.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached at least 165°F.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Crock-Pot | Easy and Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken | Easy Meal Prep
FAQ
How long does frozen chicken breast take in a slow cooker?
Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker typically takes about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. However, it’s important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
How long do you cook frozen chicken breast in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for frozen chicken breast in a slow cooker depends on the size and thickness of the meat. A general rule of thumb is to cook it for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high, with the lid on the entire cooking time.
Can you cook frozen chicken breast in a crock pot?
Frozen chicken breasts are a convenient option for busy individuals, as they can be cooked directly from the freezer without the need for thawing. The slow cooker, also known as a crock pot, is a perfect tool to cook frozen chicken breasts. It helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the meat while keeping it tender and juicy.
Can you cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker?
Smaller pieces will cook faster. This method of cooking chicken from frozen takes a while, but hey, it’s called a slow cooker for a reason, right? If this slow cooking process is too long to wait, you can help the chicken thaw more quickly by sealing it in a bag and placing it in a bowl of cold water. Never use hot water for this step!
How long does it take to cook chicken from frozen?
It will take approximately 4-6 hours to cook chicken from frozen in a slow cooker, depending on the amount of chicken and the specific functions of your slow cooker. And of course, it will depend on the size of the frozen chicken pieces — there’s a big difference between a few chicken thighs and a whole frozen chicken.
Can you cook frozen chicken breasts in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in a pressure cooker, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The cooking time will be significantly reduced compared to a slow cooker. By following these simple steps, you can easily cook frozen chicken breasts in a slow cooker, resulting in tender, flavorful, and hassle-free meals.
How long do you cook chicken breast in a crockpot?
Layering: If you’re cooking multiple chicken breasts, place them in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding. Cooking Time and Temperature: Set your crockpot to the appropriate cooking time and temperature. We recommend cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.