How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts So They’re Juicy and Tender

On busy weeknights, cooking frozen chicken breasts can save a lot of time. But you need to know how long to cook them to make sure they are juicy and tender. Here’s a full guide to cooking frozen chicken breasts perfectly.

Can You Cook Chicken Breasts Straight from the Freezer?

Good news! It’s absolutely safe to cook chicken breasts straight from frozen. Both the USDA and food safety experts confirm this cooking method is fine, as long as a few guidelines are followed.

So if you forgot to thaw those chicken breasts or need a quick protein for dinner, go ahead and use frozen There’s no need to panic

How Long Does It Take to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts?

Cooking times for frozen chicken breasts are longer than fresh since the chicken needs time to thaw as it cooks.

Here are general guidelines from the USDA on cooking frozen chicken safely:

• Cook frozen chicken 50% longer than fresh at a minimum. Like, it will take 45 minutes for frozen chicken breasts to cook if fresh chicken breasts take 30 minutes.

• Cook frozen chicken at least until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

For bone-in chicken breasts, add 5 minutes cook time. Larger, thicker breasts also require longer cook times.

Here are some more specific cook times based on size:

• Small frozen chicken breasts (4 oz): Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes.

• Medium breasts (6-8 oz): Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes.

• Large breasts (8 oz or more): Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.

The best way to tell if frozen chicken breasts are done is to use a digital meat thermometer. Make sure it doesn’t touch any bones as you put it into the thickest part of the breast.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts

Follow these tips for the best results when cooking chicken breasts straight from the freezer:

• Use an oven-safe pan or baking sheet. This allows air to better circulate for even cooking. A wire rack over a baking sheet works great.

• Arrange in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

• Brush with oil. This helps promote browning and moisture.

• Season before cooking. Coat with spices, herbs or a sauce for extra flavor.

• Bake at 350-400°F. Higher heat ensures the outside browns while the inside cooks through.

• Avoid the microwave. Microwaving frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking.

• Let rest 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute for a moister breast.

How to Prep Chicken Breasts for Freezing

To ensure chicken breasts cook evenly from frozen, it’s important to prep and freeze them properly:

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate and freeze individually. This prevents them from freezing together in a block.

• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container with layers between each breast.

• Try to freeze breasts of similar sizes together for even cooking.

• Label the package with the date and number of breasts. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.

• Avoid refreezing previously frozen raw chicken. Thaw in the refrigerator before refreezing.

Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in Different Ways

While baking is the easiest route, you can also cook frozen chicken breasts using these methods:

• Grill: Heat grill to medium high. Place breasts on oiled grates and grill, covered, 20-25 minutes per side until 165°F.

• Sous vide: Vacuum seal seasoned breasts and cook 1-1 1⁄2 hours at 140°F until pasteurized. Sear before serving.

• Slow cooker: Add frozen breasts and seasonings and cook on low 6-8 hours until 165°F. Shred for tacos or sandwiches.

• Poach: Add breasts to gently simmering liquid like broth, wine or lemon water and cook 20-30 minutes until 165°F.

• Air fry: Cook at 380°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and 165°F.

How to Tell When Frozen Chicken Breasts Are Done

It can be tricky to determine if fully cooked when starting with frozen chicken. Here are some ways to check for doneness:

• Temperature: Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest area and check for 165°F.

• Appearance: Breasts should be opaque throughout with no pink in center. Juices should run clear.

• Texture: Cooked chicken feels firm yet tender when poked.

• Cut test: Make a small slit and check that meat is white, not pink inside.

Allowing chicken breasts to rest 5 minutes after cooking also allows carryover cooking to finish in the center. Remember, frozen chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165°F.

Tips for Extra Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Breasts

To help keep frozen chicken breasts extra moist and delicious, you can also try these tricks:

• Brine first. Soaking in a saltwater brine adds moisture and seasoning.

• Marinate. Let chicken marinate in sauce overnight before cooking for flavor.

• Stuff herbs. Slide herbs, garlic, cheese or other fillings under skin or inside slits.

• Flour coating. Lightly coat with seasoned flour before baking for a crispy crust.

• Sear skin-on. Get crispy skin by searing bone-in, skin-on breasts in a skillet before roasting.

• Broil finish. Add flavorful char by broiling 5 minutes after baking.

Recipes for Delicious Frozen Chicken Breasts

If you need some inspiration for preparing those frozen chicken breasts, try these tasty recipes:

• Baked Parmesan Chicken – Breaded, cheesy baked chicken.

• BBQ Chicken Foil Packets – Zesty barbecue chicken baked in foil.

• Garlic Lime Chicken Breasts – Marinated in a zesty garlic-lime sauce.

• Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake – Chicken stuffed with ham and cheese.

• Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Chicken in Buffalo hot sauce on mini buns.

The next time you need a fast dinner, don’t be afraid to cook those chicken breasts straight from the freezer. With the proper cook time and temperature, you can enjoy a hot, delicious meal in no time.