Cooking Chicken From Frozen In Your Hot Pot: A Quick And Tasty Solution

How to Cook Chicken from Frozen in a Hot Pot

It is possible to cook chicken straight from frozen using a hot pot, but it is important to ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. The cooking time will be about 50% longer than if the chicken was fresh.

Steps to Cook Chicken from Frozen in a Hot Pot:

- Place the frozen chicken in the hot pot.

- Cover the chicken with broth, sauce, or water.

- Season the chicken as desired.

- Cook the chicken for the specified time, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

- Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Cooking Chicken from Frozen:

- Avoid cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker or microwave, as these appliances may not reach a high enough temperature to kill bacteria.

- For best results, separate frozen chicken breasts before cooking to ensure even cooking.

- Cooking times may vary depending on the size and weight of the chicken breasts.

- Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is safe to consume.

Cooking frozen chicken in an Instant Pot

It is safe to cook frozen chicken in an Instant Pot. In fact, it is one of the best ways to cook juicy, tender chicken breasts from frozen.

Steps for Cooking Frozen Chicken in an Instant Pot:

• Place the frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot inner pot. Ensure they are separated to achieve even cooking throughout.
• Add one cup of liquid to the pot. You can use chicken broth, water, pineapple juice, or apple juice.
• Sprinkle your desired seasoning over the chicken.
• Close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position.
• Press the "manual" or "pressure cook" button and cook on high pressure. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. For example, small (6-8oz) breasts will take 11-12 minutes, medium (9-10oz) breasts will take 13-14 minutes, and large (12oz) breasts will take 16 minutes.
• Once the cook time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
• Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165° F.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Tips:

• If your chicken breasts are frozen together, place them in cool water until you can separate them.
• The exact cook time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. It is better to be safe and allow the chicken to cook for longer, rather than risk undercooking it.
• You can add extra ingredients to the pot, such as barbecue sauce, soy sauce, or honey, to add extra flavour to your chicken.
• Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.

Ideas for Using Your Cooked Frozen Chicken:

• Slice or shred the chicken and serve it with rice or roasted potatoes and vegetables.
• Add it to a salad for a lean protein boost.
• Use it in sandwiches, tacos, or wraps.
• Shred the chicken and use it in soups, enchiladas, or casseroles.

Cooking frozen chicken in an oven

It is safe to cook chicken straight from the freezer, according to the USDA. However, it is important to note that the cooking time will be about 50% longer than if the chicken was fresh. Also, it is advised to cook frozen chicken pieces that are individually frozen and can be spread out in an even layer, rather than a big lump of chicken frozen together.

Steps to Cook Frozen Chicken in an Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
• Place the frozen chicken breasts on the baking sheet in a single layer. It is best to use a broiling pan or a rack over a foil-lined pan to prevent the chicken from steaming in its juices.
• Brush the chicken with oil and season with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings or sauces of your choice.
• Roast the chicken uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes for boneless chicken breasts (4 to 6 ounces) or 45 to 60 minutes for bone-in chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces). The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the number of breasts being cooked.
• Test for doneness using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
• Allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting or serving.

Cooking frozen chicken on a stovetop

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If your frozen chicken breasts are stuck together, start by separating them. You can do this by running them under cold water and gently twisting them apart. This step is crucial, as it ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Once your chicken breasts are separated, it's time to season them. You can use any combination of spices, herbs, and sauces that you like. Some popular options include garlic salt, Old Bay, salt and pepper, barbecue sauce, or teriyaki sauce. Be generous with your seasonings, as this will add flavour to the chicken.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Place a skillet or sauté pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan to prevent the chicken from sticking. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking, so adjust the heat as needed.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the frozen chicken breasts in the pan, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. If your pan is too small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Cook the chicken for 8-12 minutes on each side, keeping the pan covered but slightly ajar to trap the heat and steam. This extended cooking time is necessary to ensure the chicken cooks through to the centre.

Step 5: Flip and Cook

After 8-12 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over and season the other side. Cover the pan again, leaving it slightly ajar, and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the pan, covered, for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken is juicy and tender.

Tips:

• For crispy chicken, sear the chicken on both sides before adding any liquid to the pan.
• To speed up cooking time, you can also filet the chicken breasts to allow the heat to reach the centre faster.
• Always ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent foodborne illness.

Cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer

It is possible to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer, and it's a great option if you're short on time. The air fryer cooks the chicken to a juicy, golden perfection.

Steps to Cook Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 360°F/180°C.
• Spray or rub the frozen chicken breasts with oil and season them on both sides. You can use salt, pepper, and spices like paprika powder, garlic powder, or curry powder.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked on top of each other.
• Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the meat should reach 165°F/74°C. If it hasn't reached this temperature, increase the cooking time.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Thinner breasts will take around 10-12 minutes, while thicker ones may need up to 28-30 minutes.
• You can cook multiple pieces of chicken at once, but ensure they are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• It is best to use store-bought frozen chicken pieces as they are flatter and cook more evenly.
• Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/74°C to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker or microwave—what not to do

Frozen chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. However, there are a few methods that should be avoided due to food safety concerns.

Slow Cooker

While a slow cooker can be a convenient way to prepare meals, it is not suitable for cooking frozen chicken. The slow cooker's low temperature means that the chicken will spend too much time in the "temperature danger zone", which is between 40°F and 140°F. This range is where bacteria are most likely to grow, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

Microwave

Microwaving frozen chicken is also not recommended. The microwave cooks food very quickly, and when cooking from frozen, the interior of the chicken may not reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F before the exterior is overcooked.

Safe Alternatives

So, what are the best ways to cook frozen chicken? Here are some safe alternatives:

• Oven: Roasting frozen chicken in the oven is similar to cooking it from fresh, but with longer cooking times. Preheat the oven to 350-365°F and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Stovetop: Simmering frozen chicken in a pan sauce, jarred sauce, or broth is a great option. This method ensures the chicken is cooked evenly and results in a juicier outcome.
• Instant Pot: The Instant Pot is perfect for cooking frozen chicken safely and quickly. Simply add broth, season the chicken, and cook on high pressure for the specified time, allowing for natural release before releasing the pressure.
• Air Fryer: The air fryer cooks frozen chicken thoroughly while also giving it a crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Remember, when cooking frozen chicken, it's important to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Frequently asked questions