Grilling frozen chicken may seem like a convenient shortcut, but is it safe? There are some risks to putting frozen chicken directly on the grill, but with a few precautions, it can be done successfully. In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of grilling frozen chicken and provide tips for grilling it safely.
Can You Put Frozen Chicken on the Grill?
Yes, it is possible to put frozen chicken directly on the grill, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- It will take longer to cook than thawed chicken.
- There is a higher risk of the outside burning before the inside is cooked through.
- You’ll need to watch it closely and adjust heat as needed.
- It can increase your risk of foodborne illness if not fully cooked.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) actually recommends against grilling frozen chicken. Thawing it first is safer, as it allows for more even cooking.
However, if you want to grill frozen chicken, the USDA says to grill it on medium-high, moving it to medium once browned, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Reasons You May Want to Grill Frozen Chicken
While grilling thawed chicken is ideal, there are some reasons you may find yourself needing to grill chicken that is still frozen:
- You forgot to thaw it – We’ve all been there. You go to prep dinner only to find the chicken is still frozen solid.
- You need a quick meal – Grilling frozen chicken can cut down slightly on overall cooking time.
- You bought it frozen – Pre-packaged frozen chicken parts are convenient but would need thawed before grilling.
- You don’t want to microwave thaw – Some prefer not to thaw chicken in the microwave due to concerns over uneven cooking.
In any of these cases, it’s good to know grilling frozen chicken is possible, though not ideal.
Tips for Grilling Frozen Chicken Safely
If you do need to throw frozen chicken on the grill, here are some tips to do it safely:
1. Defrost it partially
Letting the chicken thaw a bit before grilling can help it cook more evenly. You can let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes before grilling or give it a quick thaw in the microwave if you’re really pressed for time.
2. Grill it gently at first
Start grilling frozen chicken over low heat, around 300-350°F. This allows the outside to thaw before browning so it can cook through. Once thawed and starting to brown, increase heat to medium-high.
3. Grill it skin-side down first
Place chicken skin-side down on the grill first. The skin will hold heat in, helping the thickest part of the chicken thaw and cook. Flip periodically.
4. Cut into thinner pieces
Cutting chicken breasts or other large pieces in half horizontally can make grilling frozen chicken much faster and safer. There’s less meat to thaw and cook through.
5. Use a meat thermometer
Be diligent about checking temperature using a meat thermometer, especially for thick parts. Chicken breasts should reach 165°F at the thickest point.
6. Allow extra grilling time
Cooking times will be extended with frozen chicken, so plan for that. For bone-in chicken parts, allocate about 1 hour total grilling time. Boneless breasts may take 30-40 minutes.
7. Baste and flip frequently
Basting with oil or sauce will help conduct heat. Flipping every 5-10 minutes will promote even thawing and cooking.
8. Let it rest before serving
Never cut into chicken right off the grill! Let it rest at least 5 minutes so juices can redistribute. The internal temperature will rise 5-10°F during this time.
9. Discard if in doubt
When grilling frozen foods, err on the side of caution. If the chicken shows any signs of undercooking, do not take risks – throw it out.
The Pros of Grilling Frozen Chicken
Despite the potential risks, there are a few advantages to throwing frozen chicken directly on the grill:
- It’s faster – Skipping thawing saves about 20-30 minutes of time.
- Lower prep work – You can marinate it frozen and skip multiple thawing steps.
- Better browning – The frozen moisture on the surface can mean better char.
- Holds shape for smaller cuts – Individual frozen pieces won’t fall apart while grilling.
For quick weeknight meals, grilling frozen chicken can provide a shortcut to getting dinner on the table faster. Just take precautions to prevent undercooking.
The Cons of Grilling Frozen Chicken
There are also some distinct disadvantages to keep in mind when grilling chicken frozen:
- Undercooking risk – The frozen center has a harder time heating up, leading to raw chicken.
- Poor evenness – One part may be burnt while another is underdone.
- Longer cooking time – It takes significantly longer than grilling thawed chicken.
- Lower moisture – The frozen proteins don’t break down as well, so it can dry out.
- Less flavor penetration – Spices and marinades don’t penetrate frozen meat as well.
- Higher chance of bacteria – Any bacteria present have an easier time surviving.
The frozen, uneven heating makes for a much higher food safety risk. Cooks should weigh these cons carefully before choosing to grill frozen poultry.
Handling Raw Chicken Safely
Whenever handling raw chicken, frozen or thawed, proper food safety is crucial:
- Wash hands and surfaces after touching raw chicken.
- Don’t reuse platters or utensils that touched raw chicken.
- Never place cooked chicken back on a plate that held raw chicken.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Use separate cutting boards for produce and meat.
- Discard marinade used on raw chicken.
These practices prevent cross-contamination that could lead to foodborne illness. Be especially diligent when grilling frozen chicken as the risk is higher.
How Long Does Frozen Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored frozen chicken can last a surprisingly long time in the freezer. Here are USDA time limits for maximum freezer storage:
| Frozen Chicken Type | Freezer Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 12 months |
| Chicken pieces | 9 months |
| Chicken giblets | 3-4 months |
| Cooked chicken | 4-6 months |
These timelines are for frozen chicken kept constantly at 0°F. Thawed and refrozen chicken won’t last as long. For best quality, use frozen chicken within these recommended time frames.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Frozen Chicken
It’s easy to make mistakes when grilling chicken that is frozen. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not thawing enough – Even 20-30 minutes makes a difference.
- Grilling over high heat – Start low to allow the center to thaw.
- Not using a meat thermometer – Guessing can lead to undercooking.
- Overcrowding – Chicken needs room for heat circulation.
- Flipping too frequently – Only flip every 5-10 minutes.
- Rushing the resting time – Juices need time to redistribute.
Avoiding these missteps can help ensure frozen chicken cooks thoroughly and comes off the grill juicy and flavorful.
Grilling Times for Frozen Chicken Parts
Grilling entirely frozen chicken can take significantly longer than thawed. Here are approximate grilling times for common frozen chicken cuts:
| Frozen Chicken Cut | Grilling Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast halves | 20-40 minutes |
| Chicken thighs | 40-60 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 50-65 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 30-40 minutes |
| Chicken quarters | 55-75 minutes |
Boneless cuts like breasts will grill faster than bone-in thighs or drumsticks. Larger pieces also require more time than smaller cuts.
Letting Chicken Thaw Safely in the Fridge
For best results and food safety, chicken should always be thawed fully in the refrigerator before grilling, not left out at room temperature. Here’s how long thawing takes:
- Chicken breast – 8-12 hours
- Chicken thighs – 12-24 hours
- Whole chicken – 24-48 hours
Plan ahead and move frozen chicken to the fridge in advance so it has time to thaw completely. Place it on a plate or in a container to catch any drips as it thaws.
Once thawed, chicken can be refrigerated 1-2 days before needing to be cooked or refrozen.
Testing Chicken for Doneness
With frozen chicken, visual cues won’t indicate if it’s fully cooked. Using an instant-read thermometer is the only way to accurately test doneness. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches:
- 165°F for breasts, thighs, wings, ground chicken
- 175°F for whole chickens and drumsticks
- 185°F for thighs with bone in
The thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the meat, away from any bones. Never rely on appearance or timing alone to determine doneness.
Storing Leftover Grilled Chicken
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and follow these storage times:
| Grilled Chicken Type | Fridge Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Whole pieces | 3-4 days |
| Cut or shredded | 2-3 days |
| Chicken salads/gravies | 3-5 days |
Reheated grilled chicken should reach 165°F. Discard any leftovers if they smell bad or look slimy.
Conclusion
While grilling frozen chicken introduces some risks, it can be done with proper technique. Partially thawing, constant monitoring, maintaining even heat, and verifying doneness with a meat thermometer are keys to success and safety. For ideal flavor and texture, thaw chicken fully before hitting the grill. But when needed in a pinch, frozen chicken can still make for a quick and tasty grilled meal with a few smart precautions.