How to Cook a Frozen Chicken Breast and Keep It Juicy

Cooking frozen chicken breasts can seem daunting. Will they be dry and rubbery? Or is it possible to end up with tender, juicy chicken? The good news is that with the right techniques, you can absolutely cook delicious chicken breasts straight from the freezer.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook moist, flavorful frozen chicken breasts. We’ll go over the best methods, step-by-step instructions, tips to prevent dryness, and how to tell when they’re done After reading this, you’ll be able to whip up a weeknight dinner with frozen chicken breasts that tastes like you’ve been marinating and prepping all day

Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts?

The short answer is yes, you can safely cook chicken breasts directly from the freezer. According to the USDA, frozen poultry can be cooked without thawing first.

However, cooking time will be about 50% longer compared to thawed chicken. That’s because frozen chicken needs time to thaw on the outside before the heat can start penetrating inward and cooking the inside.

So cooking frozen chicken breasts requires some patience. But as long as you account for the extra time, frozen chicken can turn out just as juicy and delicious as thawed.

Best Methods for Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts

While frozen chicken can be cooked in almost any way, some methods are better than others for preventing dryness. Here are the top recommended cooking methods:

1. Bake

Baking is one of the easiest ways to cook frozen chicken breasts. The key is to use a baking dish with sides, add some liquid, and cover it. The liquid creates steam which helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.

• Liquids to use: Chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, etc.

• Temp and Time: Bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Poach

Poaching chicken breasts in liquid gently cooks them while infusing flavor. It’s a foolproof way to get tender, juicy chicken from frozen.

• Liquids to use: Chicken broth, marinara sauce, salsa, coconut milk, etc.

• Temp and Time: Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. Instant Pot

The Instant Pot steams frozen chicken breasts under pressure, resulting in moist chicken in much less time.

• Liquids to use: 1 cup chicken broth or water

• Time: Cook on high pressure for 8-15 minutes (time varies by thickness). Natural release for 10 minutes.

4. Skillet (Pan-Fry)

Pan-frying makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside juicy. It works great straight from frozen.

• Directions: Heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 6-8 minutes per side until browned and 165°F.

5. Slow Cooker

While slow cookers can’t thaw frozen chicken safely, putting breasts in a cooker that’s already hot is an option.

• Liquids to use: Chicken broth

• Temp and Time: Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours until 165°F.

Tips for Cooking Juicy Frozen Chicken Breasts

Follow these tips in addition to using a moist-heat cooking method to ensure your frozen chicken breasts come out tender and delicious:

• Don’t crowd the pan. Cook chicken in a single layer with space between pieces to allow steam to circulate.

• Use a meat thermometer. It’s the only way to accurately determine doneness for frozen chicken. Check in thickest part.

• Cook low and slow. Quick, high heat can cause outside to overcook before inside thaws. Low, gradual heat is best.

• Let rest before cutting. Letting chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute inward.

• Add flavorful sauces. Cooking chicken breasts in or basting with sauce adds moisture and flavor.

• Wrap in bacon. Bacon renders fat to baste chicken and keeps it from drying out.

How to Tell When Frozen Chicken Breasts Are Done

Since frozen chicken takes longer to cook, relying on appearance and cook time just doesn’t cut it. The only foolproof way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer.

Chicken breasts are safe to eat and ready to come off the heat when the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F. At this point, the texture will be white throughout with no pink spots. Juices should run clear.

If cutting to check for visual doneness, look in the thickest section. Chicken is ready when the interior is white and opaque all the way through with no traces of pink.

Recipes for Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts

Here are some easy recipes to cook moist, flavorful frozen chicken breasts using the methods above:

Baked Chicken and Rice

Baked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce served over rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken breasts in baking dish and pour over broth and cream. Cover tightly with foil.
2. Bake 45-60 minutes until 165°F internally. Remove foil and broil 3-5 minutes to brown.
3. Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions.
4. Serve chicken over cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper.

Poached Chicken in Marinara Sauce

Frozen chicken breasts poached in a quick tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen chicken breasts
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Pasta

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, combine marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
2. Nestle chicken breasts into sauce mixture in a single layer, making sure submerged.
3. Simmer 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is 165°F.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Frozen chicken breasts cooked in a Mexican-inspired sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen chicken breasts
• 1 jar salsa (16 oz)
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Place frozen chicken breasts in Instant Pot and top with salsa, broth, and taco seasoning.
2. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes until chicken is 165°F internally.
3. Quick or natural release. Shred or slice chicken and season with salt and pepper.

As you can see, with the right techniques, cooking frozen chicken breasts so they stay tender and juicy is easy. Next time you forget to thaw chicken for dinner, try one of these moist-heat methods or recipes. You’ll end up with a meal that looks and tastes like you’ve been prepping all day.

Yes, you can cook a chicken breast from frozen, but it will take longer than cooking a thawed one. The USDA says it’s safe to cook chicken from frozen, as long as it reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F).