It’s always nice to have a quick and easy meal option available, especially when short on time. That’s where the crockpot comes in! We’ve got the answer for you if you wonder how long to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot. Keep reading for all the details.
It is safe to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot.
It will take longer than cooking thawed chicken, but the crockpot will keep the chicken moist and tender.
Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot without defrosting?
The crockpot is a lifesaver on busy days. You can put everything in it in the morning and have dinner ready by evening. But what if you forget to defrost the meat? Can you still put frozen chicken in the crockpot?
The answer is yes, and you can put frozen chicken in the crockpot without defrosting. Just add a little bit of extra time to the cooking time. For example, if the recipe calls for 4 hours of cook time, add an extra hour or two if using frozen chicken.
What is the best temperature to cook frozen chicken in the crockpot?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Different people may have different opinions, and there are various factors to consider when deciding what temperature to cook chicken in a crockpot.
Some of the factors you may want to consider include the type of chicken you are cooking, the size and shape of the chicken pieces, the ingredients you are using in the crockpot, and your personal preferences.
You may also want to consult a recipe or two to get some guidance on cooking frozen chicken in a crockpot. But, ultimately, it is up to you to decide what temperature works best for you and your family.
How long to cook frozen chicken in the crockpot?
If you’re using a crockpot, it’s best to cook frozen chicken on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. This will help ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly. Always use caution when handling raw chicken, and wash your hands thoroughly after contact.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken in Crockpot
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 bag Frozen chicken breasts (4-pound)
- 1 Onion (diced)
- 3 Cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or salad. Enjoy!
Additional tips:
- If you want to add some vegetables to the crockpot, diced carrots, celery, and potatoes would be great. Just add them in with the other ingredients.
- To make this dish extra flavorful, you could also try adding a jar of pasta sauce to the crockpot. Then, simply stir it in with the other ingredients before cooking.
- If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use water or even white wine. Just add enough liquid to cover the chicken breasts.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. You could also add a bit of heat by adding in some red pepper flakes or keep it mild by omitting them.
- This dish can be easily doubled or tripled if you’re feeding a crowd. Just increase the ingredients accordingly.
Finally, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Should I cook frozen chicken in the crockpot on high?
It’s up to you! Cooking frozen chicken in the crockpot on high will shorten the cooking time, but it can sometimes result in dryer chicken. If you’re short on time, cooking on high is fine. But if you have the time, cooking on low will give you more tender and moist chicken.
Should I use chicken breast, legs, or neck?
It doesn’t matter which one you use, as long as the chicken is fully cooked. However, chicken breasts tend to be drier than dark meat, so dark meat may be better if you’re looking for extra moist and tender chicken.
Do I need to add any liquid to the crockpot?
Yes, you will need to add some liquid to the crockpot. This could be water, chicken broth, or even white wine. Just make sure to add enough to fully cover the chicken breasts.
Can I store this recipe?
Yes, you can store this recipe. If you plan to make it ahead of time, simply follow the instructions until cooking the chicken. Remove it from the crockpot once the chicken is cooked through and shred with two forks.
Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and add it to your pasta, rice, or salad.
Tips and tricks for a better frozen chicken in the crockpot
If you want to prepare the best recipe in the world, I have some tips and advices for you. Check out below some of my amazing tips and tricks:
- If you want your chicken to be extra tender, cook it on low for the full 8 hours.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth and serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Add a splash of white wine to the crockpot for an extra depth of flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot for a bit of spice.
- Switch up the herbs and use whatever you have on hand – rosemary, thyme, oregano, etc. would all be great in this recipe.
- Throw in some diced carrots or celery for extra veggies.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) for an extra pop of flavor.
- If you like things saucy, double the amount of chicken broth.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a cup of plain yogurt or sour cream after shredding the chicken.
- If you want a bit of a crunch in your sauce, stir in some chopped-up bacon or pancetta.
Finally, leftover cooked chicken can be used in place of the frozen chicken breasts. Just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Things to serve with this recipe
- Rice: Try serving this recipe over a bed of brown rice, white rice, or wild rice.
- Pasta: This recipe would also be delicious served over your favorite pasta.
- Salad: Serve the shredded chicken on top of a green salad for a complete meal.
- Veggies: Add some steamed or roasted veggies to your plate for a balanced meal.
- Bread: Serve the chicken with a side of bread for dipping in the sauce.
- Fruit: Add a side of fruit to your meal for a little sweetness.
- Potatoes: Try serving this recipe with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potatoes.
- Soup: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bowl of your favorite soup.
- Stew: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bowl of your favorite stew.
Final Words
This crockpot chicken recipe is an easy and delicious way to feed your family. You can easily make this recipe at home with some simple ingredients.
Just add chicken, broth, and your favorite seasonings to the crockpot and let it do its thing! You can also add in some vegetables for extra nutrition.
So, do you already know how long does it take to cook frozen chicken breast in the crockpot? Please, feel free to leave your opinion in the comments below!
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