Cooking a whole frozen chicken in a crock pot can be done safely, as long as you take a few precautions. The low, slow cooking method of the crock pot thaws and cooks the chicken gently, preventing bacterial growth. Here are some tips for safely cooking a frozen chicken in the crock pot.
Thaw First vs Cook Frozen
It is possible to cook a frozen chicken directly in the crock pot without thawing first. However, this can take significantly longer. A small chicken may take 8+ hours on low to cook from frozen. A larger chicken may take 10-12 hours. This long cook time leaves the chicken in the “danger zone” of 40-140°F for several hours, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
For food safety, it is recommended to thaw the chicken before cooking. Thaw the frozen chicken for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator until no ice crystals remain. This allows the chicken to cook much faster, getting up to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F sooner.
Slow Cook on Low
Cooking the chicken on the low setting for an extended time is ideal. The low gentle heat allows the chicken to cook through gradually while the collagen breaks down, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
If cooking a thawed chicken, cook for 4-6 hours on low until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check the temperature by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
If cooking frozen, cook for 8-12 hours on low depending on the size. Again, verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F before serving.
Use a Thermometer
Using an instant-read thermometer is highly recommended when cooking chicken in a crock pot. Unlike an oven, there is no way to visually check the doneness of chicken in a crock pot.
Chicken cooked to 165°F minimum internal temperature will be safe to eat. At this temperature, any potentially harmful bacteria are destroyed. Checking the temperature ensures the chicken reaches doneness, even when cooking from frozen.
Add Liquid
Cooking chicken directly in the crock pot can lead to drying out. Be sure to add some liquid to create steam and keep the meat moist. Options include:
- Chicken broth or stock
- Water
- Wine or beer
- Fruit juice
For a 4-6 pound chicken, add around 1 cup of liquid to the crock pot before cooking. Avoid adding too much liquid or the chicken may end up boiling rather than slowly cooking.
Elevate and Trim Chicken
For the most even cooking, place the chicken breast-side up on a trivet or bed of vegetables. This elevates the chicken so it does not sit and cook in the liquid.
Also trim off any excess skin folds or large fatty deposits which may prevent heat from penetrating inside. Remove giblets from the cavity.
Basting and Browning
Crock pot chicken won’t get browned and crispy skin like oven roasted. However, for added color and flavor, baste the chicken with sauce periodically.
Options include barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, Italian dressing, or melted butter with herbs. Use a clean basting brush and lift the lid carefully to avoid releasing heat.
For browning, broil the cooked chicken for a few minutes at the end. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Shred for Tacos or Sandwiches
Chicken cooked in the crock pot should be very tender and easy to shred. Use two forks to pull the meat into pieces once cooked.
Shredded crock pot chicken works great for:
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Salads
- Sandwiches
- Casseroles
The seasoned cooking liquid can be used as a sauce over the shredded chicken.
Food Safety
When cooking chicken in the crock pot, follow these food safety guidelines:
- Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
- Use chicken within 1-2 days of thawing in the fridge.
- Wash hands, utensils, crock pot insert, and anything else that touches raw chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify 165°F minimum internal temperature.
- Discard any chicken left out over 2 hours; do not reheat.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Conclusion
Cooking a whole frozen chicken in the crock pot can produce a tasty home-cooked meal. While it does require longer cook times, taking proper food safety precautions makes it a safe method. Thaw fully, cook on low, use a thermometer, and follow standard food handling practices for delicious crock pot chicken results.