Cooking frozen chicken breasts in a crockpot on high heat is a great way to prepare delicious, juicy chicken for meals with minimal effort. Using the high setting allows the chicken to thoroughly and quickly cook through while retaining moisture. The cooking time needed depends on a few factors.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
There are three main things that impact how long frozen chicken breasts need to cook in a crockpot on high:
- Size of the chicken breasts
- Amount being cooked
- Temperature of the crockpot
Larger, thicker chicken breasts will take longer compared to smaller, thinner ones. Cooking a larger quantity of chicken breasts means it will take more time for each piece to reach safe internal temperature. And crockpots can vary slightly in how hot their “high” setting gets, which affects timing as well.
Cooking Time Guidelines
Taking these factors into account, here are some general guidelines for how long frozen chicken breasts typically need to cook in a crockpot on high:
| Chicken Breast Size | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Small (4-6 oz each) | 3-4 hours |
| Medium (6-8 oz each) | 4-5 hours |
| Large (8-12 oz each) | 5-6 hours |
For a crockpot full of 4-6 frozen chicken breasts, plan on cooking for at least 4-5 hours on high. Check the chicken’s internal temperature after 4 hours. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F throughout.
Steps for Cooking Frozen Chicken in a Crockpot
Follow these simple steps for successfully cooking frozen chicken breasts in a crockpot on the high setting:
- Place the still-frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker insert. Adding some liquid like broth or sauce isn’t required but can help add extra flavor.
- Set the crockpot to the high setting and cook for the estimated time based on size. Do not open the lid during cooking.
- Once the cook time is up, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the largest chicken breast. It should read 165°F.
- If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, continue cooking and checking the temperature every 10-15 minutes until it reaches 165°F throughout.
- Pull the insert out of the heating element and let the chicken rest about 5 minutes before serving.
As long as the crockpot reaches a high enough temperature, the frozen state of the chicken at the start won’t affect the final cook time needed to safely reach 165°F internally.
Tips for Best Results
Here are some tips to ensure delicious, moist chicken when cooking frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot on high:
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken before cooking for clean flavor.
- Resist lifting the lid during cooking to keep the heat consistent.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Let the cooked chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness instead of cutting into chicken.
- Add seasonings like garlic, herbs, or spices to add flavor.
Common Additions and Serving Suggestions
Cooking up a batch of crockpot frozen chicken breasts provides the base for all kinds of easy, delicious meals. Here are some serving ideas:
- Chicken Tacos: Shred chicken and combine with taco seasoning, shredded cheese, lettuce, etc.
- Chicken Salad: Dice chicken and mix with mayo, celery, onion, and seasonings for sandwiches.
- Chicken and Rice: Serve chicken over steamed rice with sautéed veggies.
- Chicken Alfredo: Toss chopped chicken with alfredo sauce and pasta.
- Chicken Soups and Stews: Add bite-size pieces of chicken to hearty soups and stews.
Try experimenting with marinades, spices, and sauces to give variety to your cooked frozen chicken. Bottled sauces like barbecue, teriyaki, and stir fry sauce make great quick flavor boosts. The tender, juicy chicken will soak up the flavors.
Common Questions
Is it safe to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot?
Yes, it is completely safe to cook frozen chicken in the crockpot as long as it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. The low, moist heat of the crockpot thaws and cooks the chicken thoroughly. Cooking from frozen may take a little longer but produces very juicy, tender chicken.
Should you thaw chicken before cooking in crockpot?
Thawing beforehand is not necessary. In fact, cooking frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot can help them retain even more moisture. Skipping the thawing step makes prep easier. Just add 5-6 hours cook time on high for frozen.
Is liquid needed when cooking frozen chicken in a crockpot?
No, adding liquid is optional. Chicken releases its own juices and moisture as it cooks. A little broth or sauce can add extra flavor but is not required. Make sure not to overfill with liquid which can make the chicken boil rather than stay tender.
Can you cook from frozen in a slow cooker on low?
It’s best to use the high setting when cooking frozen chicken in a crockpot. The lower temperature of the low setting may not get the center up to safe temperature fast enough before the exterior overcooks. High heat helps cook it evenly.
How long does cooked chicken last in the refrigerator?
Leftover fully cooked crockpot chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Place the cooked chicken in a sealed container or resealable bag before refrigerating. Use within 3-4 days or freeze for longer term storage up to a few months.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen chicken breasts in a crockpot on high is an easy, safe method that produces super moist and tender meat. Plan for around 4-6 hours cook time depending on the size of the breasts and amount you are cooking. Check internal temperature and allow the chicken to rest before serving. Simple seasonings, sauces, and sides turn basic crockpot chicken into amazing meals for the whole family.