Steaming Frozen Chicken: How Long For Perfect Results?

Cooking frozen chicken breasts can be done in a variety of ways, including steaming, baking, poaching, and pan-frying. While it is possible to cook frozen chicken safely, it is important to note that the cooking time will be significantly longer than for thawed chicken. On average, a frozen chicken breast weighing 5-7 ounces will take around 30-45 minutes to cook at 350°F, which is about 50% longer than the time required for an unfrozen breast.

Steaming frozen chicken breasts is a healthy option that produces moist and tender meat ready for use in various dishes. It is recommended to steam chicken breasts for twice as long as you would for thawed meat to ensure they are cooked through.

Cooking frozen chicken in the Instant Pot

How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a great way to cook frozen chicken breasts. It's quick, easy, and they turn out so well that you'll never need to thaw chicken before cooking it again!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Place the frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of the Instant Pot. You can stack them, but make sure none are stuck together. If your chicken breasts are frozen in a large mass, place them in cool water until you can separate them.

Step 2: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Pour in 1 cup of water or chicken broth. You can also use another liquid like pineapple juice or apple juice. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, paprika, or barbecue sauce.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Put the lid on the Instant Pot and move the valve to the sealing position. Use the manual pressure setting and set the timer according to the size of your chicken breasts:

• Small (6-8 oz): 11-12 minutes at high pressure
• Medium (9-10 oz): 13-14 minutes at high pressure
• Large (12 oz): 16 minutes at high pressure

The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure and then start counting down from the set time.

Step 4: Natural Release

When the cook time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5-10 minutes. Then carefully move the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam and pressure.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F. If the chicken is not quite done, you can finish cooking it using the Instant Pot sauté function.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is moist and juicy.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot:

• The exact cook time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. It's better to undercook than overcook, as you can always put the chicken back in for a few extra minutes if needed.
• If you're in a rush, simply season with salt and pepper, but feel free to experiment with different seasonings and liquids.
• Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Remember to move the steam release valve to the "sealing" position before pressure cooking. Forgetting to do this is a common mistake.

Troubleshooting:

• If your chicken is below 155°F after cooking, close the lid and cook for an additional 2 minutes at high pressure, followed by a quick release.
• If your chicken is dry, try reducing the cooking time or check that your instant-read thermometer is working correctly.
• If your chicken is tough, this may be due to the way it was frozen or how long it was frozen for. Frozen chicken can lose moisture if it's not sealed well.

Cooking frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare chicken for any meal. With this guide, you'll be able to cook perfect frozen chicken every time!

Baking frozen chicken breasts

Preparation:

First, it is important to note that you should only bake individually frozen chicken pieces. Chicken pieces that are frozen together will not cook evenly. When you get fresh chicken breasts, put them in a single layer in a freezer bag, making sure there is space around each breast. Alternatively, freeze them flat on a tray and then transfer to a freezer bag.

Oven Temperature and Baking Time:

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350-425°F (180°C). The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the oven temperature. As a rule of thumb, baking frozen chicken breasts will take about 50% longer than baking thawed chicken. For example, if it usually takes 20-30 minutes to bake thawed chicken breasts at 350°F, it will take around 30-45 minutes for frozen chicken breasts. For smaller chicken breasts (4-6 oz), bake for 30-40 minutes, for medium breasts (about 8 oz), bake for 35-45 minutes, and for larger breasts, bake for 45-55 minutes.

Baking Instructions:

Line a baking sheet or dish with foil or parchment paper. You can also use a roasting pan, which helps trap heat and juices, allowing for easy basting. Place the frozen chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared pan or dish, making sure they are not overlapping. Brush the chicken with oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or seasonings. You can also use a marinade, but add it during the last 15 minutes of baking so it doesn't burn.

Bake the chicken uncovered for the specified time, depending on the size of the breasts and oven temperature. Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Resting and Serving:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and juicy chicken. You can serve the baked chicken breasts as a main dish, use them for sandwiches or salads, or pair them with your favourite sides.

Cooking frozen chicken on the stovetop

If you're in a pinch and forgot to thaw your chicken, don't panic! You can safely cook frozen chicken on the stovetop. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Prepare Your Chicken:

Start by separating your frozen chicken breasts. If you froze them yourself, run some cold water over them and gently twist them apart. Store-bought frozen chicken breasts are usually already separated.

Choose Your Cookware:

For stovetop cooking, you'll need a skillet or a sauté pan. A cast-iron skillet is an excellent option if you have one.

Heat Your Pan:

Place your skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. You can use any type of cooking oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.

Cook the Chicken:

Place your frozen chicken breasts in the pan. If you're using boneless skinless chicken breasts, add your desired seasonings to the top of the chicken. Put a lid on the pan, slightly offset so that it's not sealed shut. Allow the chicken to cook for 8 minutes.

Flip and Season:

After 8 minutes, flip the chicken breasts to the other side. Sprinkle your desired seasonings on this side. Cover the pan again, with the lid slightly ajar, and cook for another 8 minutes. The total cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Check for Doneness:

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the safe internal temperature for chicken, according to the USDA.

Rest and Serve:

Once your chicken has reached the desired temperature, turn off the heat and keep the lid on. Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving and slicing.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken on the Stovetop:

• For even cooking, it's important to ensure that your frozen chicken breasts are not overlapping in the pan and are in a single layer.
• You can use various seasonings and sauces to add flavor to your chicken. Try garlic salt, Old Bay, salt and pepper, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
• If you're using a sauce, it's best to add it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
• If you're using a breadcrumb coating, brush the chicken with mustard first to help the breadcrumbs stick. Then sprinkle on the breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of oil.
• If you're cooking boneless skinless chicken breasts, consider adding a small amount of liquid to the pan, such as broth or sauce, to create a moist environment and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Cooking frozen chicken in the microwave

While it is possible to cook frozen chicken in the microwave, it is not recommended. Microwaving frozen chicken can increase the risk of bacterial growth, as it is challenging to maintain a consistent temperature. However, you can use the microwave to defrost frozen chicken before cooking it using another method.

Defrosting Frozen Chicken in the Microwave

If you're in a pinch and need to defrost frozen chicken quickly, the microwave is the way to go. Here's how to do it:

• Place the frozen chicken in a microwave-safe container or bowl.
• Add a small amount of water to the container, just enough to create some steam.
• Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
• Set the microwave to the defrost setting and defrost the chicken for about a minute at a time. The time will vary depending on the size and number of chicken pieces.
• Once the chicken is completely defrosted, it is important to cook it immediately. Do not let defrosted chicken sit at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth.

Alternative Methods for Defrosting Frozen Chicken

If you have more time, there are other methods for defrosting frozen chicken that may be preferable:

• Refrigerator Defrosting: Place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator and let it defrost slowly over 24 hours. This method helps maintain the quality of the meat.
• Cold Water Defrosting: Place the frozen chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. This method is faster than refrigerator defrosting but requires more attention.
• Hot Water Defrosting: Bring a pot of water to 140°F (60°C) and place the sealed chicken package in the water for 10-15 minutes. This method is risky and may lead to bacterial growth, so it should be done with caution.

Cooking Frozen Chicken

While it is best to defrost chicken before cooking, there are some methods that allow you to cook frozen chicken directly:

• Oven Roasting: Preheat the oven to 350-425°F (177-218°C). Place the frozen chicken on a baking sheet, season, and roast for about 50% longer than you would with fresh chicken. For example, a 5-7 ounce chicken breast will take 30-45 minutes.
• Stovetop Simmering: Place the frozen chicken in a saucepan or sauté pan, cover with broth or sauce, and simmer over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Rub the frozen chicken with oil, season, and cook for the recommended time, flipping halfway through.
• Instant Pot: Place the frozen chicken in the Instant Pot with a cup of broth and desired seasonings. Use the "manual" button to cook on high pressure for the specified time.

Cooking frozen chicken in the oven

Preparation

Before cooking frozen chicken in the oven, it is important to prepare the chicken properly. Frozen chicken breasts should be placed on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil or parchment paper. Make sure there is about 1/2 to 1 inch between each piece of chicken to ensure even cooking.

Cooking

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher temperature will help the chicken brown more and is recommended if you are adding breadcrumbs. Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, but on average, frozen chicken breasts will take between 30 to 45 minutes to cook through.

For a 5-7 ounce chicken breast, the USDA recommends cooking for 50% longer than you would with unfrozen chicken. So, if an unfrozen chicken breast usually takes 20-30 minutes to cook at 350°F, a frozen chicken breast will take 30-45 minutes.

It is important to note that chicken should never be cooked from frozen in a slow cooker or microwave, as these appliances do not heat the chicken safely.

Seasoning

Before placing the chicken in the oven, you can drizzle or spray the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray. You can also season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or sauces. If using a sauce, it is best to wait until the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent it from drying out.

Testing for Doneness

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the chicken has not reached this temperature, continue cooking in 5-10 minute increments until it is done.

Serving

Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your juicy and flavorful oven-baked frozen chicken!

Frequently asked questions