Cooking frozen chicken in a crockpot on high is possible, but there are some important factors to consider to ensure food safety and the best results.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in a crockpot on high. However, it is not recommended. It is safer and will produce better results if you thaw the chicken first before cooking it in the crockpot on high.
Thawing Chicken Before Cooking
For food safety and best results, it is recommended to thaw frozen chicken fully before cooking it in a crockpot, even on high. Here are some tips for properly thawing chicken:
- Thaw in the refrigerator: Place frozen chicken in a container to catch any drips and thaw in the refrigerator. Allow 1 day for every 4-5 lbs.
- Cold water thaw: Submerge sealed chicken bag in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per pound.
- Microwave thaw: Use the defrost setting based on weight. Allow standing time to complete thawing.
Thawing slowly and properly in the fridge is best to prevent bacterial growth. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
Why Thawing is Recommended
There are a few reasons why thawing frozen chicken before cooking in a crockpot is recommended:
- Food safety – Frozen chicken takes longer to reach a safe internal temperature that kills bacteria. Partially cooked chicken left too long in the danger zone promotes bacterial growth.
- Texture – Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking. The outside thaws first and overcooks while the inside remains undercooked and icy.
- Moisture – Frozen chicken releases less moisture and juices as it cooks, leading to drier results.
- Cooking time – Thawed chicken cooks faster and more evenly in a crockpot.
Problems with Cooking Frozen Chicken in a Crockpot
If you do try to cook frozen chicken directly in a crockpot on high, here are some potential issues:
- Unsafe temperatures – A large frozen piece of chicken may not reach 140°F+ quickly enough to prevent bacteria growth.
- Undercooking – The center near the bone can remain undercooked and pink while the outer meat overcooks.
- Poor texture – The meat near the edges will cook more resulting in uneven texture.
- Drier meat – Frozen chicken releases less moisture as it slowly cooks resulting in drier meat.
- Longer cooking times – Frozen chicken can take 50% longer to cook through fully in a crockpot.
Is It Safe to Cook Frozen Chicken in a Crockpot?
It is not recommended safe practice to cook frozen chicken directly in a crockpot, even on high. However, if you do cook frozen chicken, follow these tips:
- Use small, thin pieces – Individual chicken breasts or tenders will cook more safely and evenly than a large frozen block.
- Add liquid – Use lots of broth or sauce to promote steam and heat circulation.
- Stir occasionally – Gently stir every 30 minutes to distribute heat.
- Reach proper temperature – Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Discard if in doubt – When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk eating undercooked chicken.
Keep food safety as your top priority. Thaw first for the juiciest, safest results when cooking chicken in a crockpot.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken in a Crockpot
If you do choose to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot, follow these tips for the best results:
- Use a crockpot liner – This prevents any uncooked chicken juices from contacting the interior.
- Add liquid – Use at least 1 cup broth, water, or sauce per pound of chicken.
- Cook on high only – Low setting won’t get frozen chicken up to temp fast enough.
- Don’t overload – Cook chicken in a single layer with space between pieces.
- Partially thaw – Thaw chicken halfway before cooking for faster, safer results.
- Stir occasionally – Stir chicken gently every 30 minutes while cooking.
- Allow standing time – Let cooked chicken rest 10 minutes before serving or shredding.
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken in a Crockpot
It will take approximately 50% longer to cook frozen chicken than thawed in a crockpot. Here are some general frozen chicken crockpot cooking times:
| Chicken Type | Cook Time on High |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (6-8 oz) | 3-4 hours |
| Chicken thighs/legs (4-8 oz) | 4-6 hours |
| Whole chicken (4-6 lbs) | 6-8 hours |
These times are just estimates. Always check internal temperature and ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
How to Tell If Frozen Chicken Is Done in a Crockpot
Here are some ways to check that frozen chicken cooked in a crockpot is fully cooked and safe to eat:
- Internal temperature – Insert a meat thermometer into thickest part and check for 165°F.
- Visual inspection – Chicken should look opaque and juices should run clear with no pink when poked.
- Texture – Fully cooked chicken will be fork tender and easy to shred.
- Time – Ensure your specific cut of chicken has cooked for recommended time.
If in any doubt, continue cooking chicken until it passes these tests. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook through fully and safely.
How to Keep Chicken Moist When Cooking from Frozen
To help keep chicken moist and juicy when cooking frozen chicken in a crockpot, try these methods:
- Brine – Soak chicken in a saltwater brine before freezing for added moisture.
- Use broth – Use chicken broth or stock instead of water for cooking liquid.
- Add sauce – Cook chicken in tomato sauce, salsa, or coconut milk.
- Vegetable bed – Place chicken on top of chopped onions, carrots, celery.
- Baste – Frequently baste chicken with pan juices or sauce.
- Rest – Let chicken sit 10-15 minutes before shredding to reabsorb juices.
Best Practices for Crockpot Frozen Chicken
For the safest and best results cooking frozen chicken in a crockpot, follow these best practices:
- Completely thaw chicken in fridge before cooking.
- Use small, thin frozen pieces like breasts or tenders.
- Prevent cross-contamination with a liner and food handling.
- Cook on high only, low won’t be hot enough.
- Add plenty of liquid like broth, tomatoes, or sauce.
- Stir chicken every 30 minutes while cooking.
- Cook until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Let chicken rest before serving if cooking large pieces.
Frozen Chicken Crockpot Recipes
Here are some tasty crockpot recipes you can make with fully thawed frozen chicken:
BBQ Pulled Chicken
- 4-5 lbs frozen chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Thaw chicken breasts fully. Place chicken, onion, BBQ sauce, and seasonings in crockpot. Cook on high 4-6 hours until chicken reaches 165°F. Shred chicken and toss with sauce to serve.
Buffalo Chicken Tacos
- 3 lbs frozen chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- Taco toppings
Thaw chicken fully. Cook chicken with taco seasoning and wing sauce on high 3-4 hours until 165°F. Shred chicken and serve on tortillas with toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Chicken & Dumplings
- 3-4 lbs frozen chicken pieces
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuits
Thaw chicken fully. Combine chicken, stock, onion, and garlic in crockpot. Cook on high 4-6 hours until chicken is tender. Shred chicken removing bones. Drop biscuits on top of chicken mixture. Cook 30 mins more until dumplings are cooked through.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen chicken directly in a crockpot is possible but not necessarily recommended. For food safety and the best quality, fully thaw chicken first. If cooking frozen chicken, use small pieces, plenty of liquid, cook on high only, and ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally before serving. With some adaptations, you can safely cook frozen chicken in a crockpot for tender, juicy meals.