Chicken thighs are a flavorful, juicy, and budget-friendly cut of chicken that works great in a variety of dishes. Many home cooks keep a bag of frozen chicken thighs on hand for quick and easy weeknight meals. While frozen chicken thighs provide convenience, many wonder exactly how long to cook them to achieve ideal results. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips, techniques, timing, and recipes to help you cook frozen chicken thighs to tender, juicy perfection every time.
Why Choose Chicken Thighs?
Compared to chicken breasts, bone-in chicken thighs have more fat and collagen, which keeps them moist during cooking. Chicken thighs are extremely versatile, working well in soups, stews, casseroles, stir fries, and more. They have a rich, meaty flavor that stays juicy when properly cooked. Buying them frozen allows you to have an inexpensive protein ready when you need it.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs?
Cooking times vary based on the method used. Here are general guidelines:
- Oven baked: 45-60 minutes at 375°F
- Grilled: 30-40 minutes over medium heat
- Instant Pot/pressure cooked: 20-25 minutes at high pressure
- Slow cooked: 5-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Pan fried or sautéed: 15-20 minutes over medium-high heat
How thick the thighs are and whether the bone is in or out can also change how long it takes to cook. Before serving, always use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken Thighs
Follow these tips for foolproof frozen chicken thigh cooking
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Thaw first for faster cooking: Thawing chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight reduces cooking time significantly.
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** Preheat the oven or grill:** Allowing the cooking surface to fully preheat helps chicken thighs cook evenly.
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Use a meat thermometer: This avoids undercooking. Chicken thighs should reach 165°F.
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Keep an eye on the temperature. If you cook at too high of a temperature, the outside may burn before the inside is fully cooked.
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Season before and during cooking. Seasoning meat before freezing can help the flavor soak in. Sprinkling with additional spices before cooking also adds flavor.
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Finish cooking: If you’re pan-frying or sautéing, sear both sides over high heat. Then, lower the heat and finish cooking.
Oven Baked Frozen Chicken Thighs
One of the easiest cooking methods for frozen chicken thighs is baking them in the oven. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp each salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
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Place frozen chicken thighs on prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Bake for 45-60 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and registers 165°F on a meat thermometer.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestion: Serve oven baked chicken thighs with roasted potatoes and a salad for a simple weeknight dinner.
Grilled Frozen Chicken Thighs
During warmer months, firing up the grill is a great way to infuse smoky barbecue flavor into frozen chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp [sauce or marinade of choice]
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Heat grill to medium heat, 350-450°F. Clean grates and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
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Coat frozen chicken thighs with sauce/marinade of choice. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Place thighs on hot grill skin-side down. Grill for 8-10 minutes until nicely seared. Flip and grill another 8-10 minutes.
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Continue grilling and flipping every 5-7 minutes until chicken thighs reach 165°F internally, about 30-40 minutes total.
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Transfer to a plate and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestion: Make it a barbecue feast with grilled veggies and cornbread.
Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Thighs
For a fast weeknight dinner, an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker makes cooking frozen chicken thighs a breeze.
Ingredients:
- 6 frozen chicken thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Place frozen chicken thighs in Instant Pot liner. Pour in chicken broth and top with minced garlic.
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Lock lid in place, select Manual/Pressure Cook setting on High Pressure for 20-25 minutes.
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When cooking completes, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully open lid.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F. Season with soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Serving Suggestion: Serve pressure cooker chicken thighs with rice and roasted broccoli.
Expert Tips for Leftover Chicken Thighs
Leftover cooked chicken thighs make great additions to soups, salads, tacos, and more. Follow proper storage methods:
- Allow cooked chicken to cool slightly before refrigerating.
- Store in airtight container up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze for longer storage of 2-3 months.
- Reheat fully to 165°F before serving leftovers.
Enjoy convenience, savings, and delicious homemade meals with frozen chicken thighs. Master proper cooking times and temperatures for tender, juicy results.
Serving Size 4 oz. (112 g)
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How long to grill frozen chicken thighs?
Frozen chicken thigh grilling time is dependent on cut size and thickness. Chicken thighs should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Frozen chicken takes about 50% longer to cook than thawed chicken, typically around 30-45 minutes.
How to grill frozen chicken? Can you grill chicken from frozen?
You can grill chicken from frozen. You will need to preheat your grill to a lower heat than you would for defrosted chicken and increase cook time by about 50%. Always check chicken with a food thermometer. Chicken thigh should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
*Minimally processed, no artificial ingredients
†Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones or steroids in poultry.
††Foster Farms Organic poultry is fed a diet that contains non-genetically engineered ingredients. USDA organic regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered feed ingredients in poultry products labeled as Organic.
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FAQ
How long do you cook frozen chicken thighs for?
Frozen chicken thighs will take 10-15 minutes longer to boil than fresh chicken thighs. So if you’re making frozen chicken thighs, they will take up to 45 minutes to fully cook.
How long to cook chicken thighs in the oven at 400 degrees?
To cook chicken thighs in an oven at 400°F (200°C), plan for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the size and whether the thighs are bone-in or boneless.
How long does it take to cook frozen chicken legs at 375 degrees?
Preheat oven to 375*F. Arrange frozen pieces in a single layer on a shallow, baking pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes until internal juices run clear.
How long to cook frozen chicken in the oven at 425 degrees?
At 425 F degrees (220C) chicken breasts will bake in about 20 to 25 minutes. Of course it depends on the thickness of your breasts, so thicker breast will take a bit longer and thinner breasts will take a bit less time. That’s why the best way to tell when your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer.
Can you cook frozen chicken thighs in the oven?
Both baking dishes and baking sheets can be used to cook frozen chicken thighs in the oven. If you use a baking dish, make sure it has sides to catch any chicken juices that come out while it’s cooking. When using a baking sheet, it is recommended to line it with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in easy cleanup.
What temperature should frozen chicken thighs be cooked at?
The recommended temperature to cook frozen chicken thighs in the oven is 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly and helps to achieve a crispy outer texture while keeping the inside moist and tender. Adjust the time accordingly based on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs.
How long does it take to cook frozen chicken?
The USDA suggests when cooking frozen meats to increase cooking by 1. 5 times the original cooking time. Roasting a whole chicken in a 450-degree oven typically takes about 45 minutes, according to Epicurious . Cooking partially frozen chicken at the same temperature may take 75 minutes or more.
Can you freeze chicken thighs?
Having frozen thighs or breasts in the freezer is always a good idea – it has saved dinner time on many occasions. Cooking from frozen saves the long thawing time. Meat must be defrosted slowly and properly in the fridge, which can take hours. Freezing poultry slows down the reproduction of Salmonella, though it doesn’t destroy it.
How long does it take to cook chicken thighs?
It will take around 35 to 40 minutes to bake chicken thighs at 425 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven. Before cooking, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture from the skin. Chicken thighs should have an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow it to cook for a further 5 minutes if the temperature measurement is lower.
Why do you thaw frozen chicken thighs?
Thawing allows the chicken to cook more thoroughly and reduces the risk of unevenly cooked or undercooked meat. How long does it take to cook frozen chicken thighs in the oven?.