We love chicken – it’s the lean, mean protein machine that tastes good with almost anything (except maybe ice cream). Not only is it packed full of protein, chicken also contains lots of other nutrients like phosphorus and vitamin B6 that help our bodies (especially those still growing) stay strong. The nutritional benefits of chicken are endless!.
For families who don’t know what to make for dinner, frozen chicken has saved the day many times. Whether it’s fresh chicken you’ve chosen to freeze, or chicken with a little extra like our Birds Eye Chargrilled Chicken, the benefits of freezing food include helping to lock in nutrients and reduce food waste by being the on-demand, easy to portion option.
Everything we make with chicken, from crunchy dippers to juicy seasoned chicken chargrills, lives in the freezer and goes straight into the oven. This is great if you need to make a quick and easy chicken dinner.
Like any meat or dairy, it’s important to be really careful with how chicken is prepared and cooked, and raw chicken especially must be thoroughly cooked through. Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to cook chicken from frozen – Birds Eye, and beyond! Photo by blogger Lecoindemel.
A tasty chicken dinner usually starts with letting a frozen bird thaw. But how long does it really take to cook a chicken that has been thawed? The answer depends on a few important things. We’ll show you everything you need to know to cook thawed chicken safely and perfectly every time in this large guide.
Overview of Cooking Times
In a 350°F oven, it usually takes 30 minutes per pound to cook a thawed whole chicken. That means it will take about two hours to cook a four-pound bird.
Smaller cuts like chicken breasts and thighs require less time. At 350°F, breasts without bones need 15 to 20 minutes, while thighs with bones need 30 to 40 minutes.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness – chicken should reach 165°F internally. Let it rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Factors That Impact Cooking Time
Several variables affect how long thawed chicken takes to cook:
-
It takes longer to cook a big, thick chicken breast than a thin, boneless cut.
-
Bone-in or boneless – Bones conduct heat slower, so bone-in pieces take longer.
-
Cooking method – Grilling cooks faster than baking. Higher oven temps also speed up cooking.
-
Marinades – Acidic marinades can slightly reduce cooking time by tenderizing meat.
-
Altitude – Higher altitudes require longer cooking times.
-
Appliance accuracy – If oven temp is off, adjust cook time accordingly.
Thawing Safely
Always thaw frozen chicken in the fridge, cold water, or the microwave – never at room temperature.
Fridge thawing takes 1-2 days but is safest. Submerge sealed chicken in cold water, changing water every 30 mins, for faster thawing. Microwave only if cooking immediately after.
Cook thawed chicken within 1-2 days. Refreeze only if still icy cold.
Tips for Cooking Thawed Chicken
Follow these tips for tender, juicy chicken every time:
-
Bring to room temp – Let sit 20-30 mins before cooking so it cooks evenly.
-
Preheat properly – Fully preheat oven or pan before cooking.
-
Use a thermometer – Insert into thickest part to guarantee 165°F.
-
Avoid overcrowding – Cook thighs or breasts in a single layer with space between.
-
Let rest before serving – 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute.
Common Problems and Solutions
Undercooked chicken – Return to oven and cook 5-10 mins more until 165°F.
Dry, overcooked chicken – Wrap in foil and add sauce, or shred for tacos or casseroles.
Uneven cooking – Use meat mallet to flatten thicker parts before cooking.
Rubbery skin – Remove skin before cooking or sear skin-side down in a hot pan first.
The Takeaway
Mastering thawed chicken cook times takes practice. A good rule of thumb is 30 minutes per pound in a 350°F oven. Boneless cuts cook faster. Always use a thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temp. With the proper technique, you’ll be rewarded with juicy, delicious homemade chicken dinners.
Cooking frozen chicken breasts and thighs
If you need to cook chicken that was frozen but don’t have time to let it thaw, don’t worry. There are a few things you can do. You should thaw larger pieces of frozen chicken first, like a whole chicken or chicken on the bone, because these methods won’t cook them all the way through.
How to cook Chicken the Birds Eye way
1. Pre-heat the oven to the temperature printed on the pack instructions – usually around 200°C (180°C for a fan oven, or Gas Mark 6) 2. Pop the chicken on a baking tray in the middle of the oven 3. Cook until piping hot; some products might need turning over part-way through 4. Read the directions on the package to see how long you have to get hungry. Most of our tasty chicken takes 20 to 25 minutes to cook. Our breaded and battered chicken is ready to eat when the outside gets crispy and golden. Try serving with colourful Steam Fresh vegetables for a healthy balanced meal.
How to Defrost Chicken Quickly & Safely | Thaw Chicken Fast with MOMables
FAQ
How long do you have to cook chicken after thawing?
After thawing, raw chicken should be cooked within 1-2 days if stored in the refrigerator. If you thaw chicken in the refrigerator, you have a couple of days to cook it.
How long does thawed chicken take to cook at 350 degrees?
Cooking tips There are only three ways to thaw chicken properly: Thaw in the refrigerator, under cold water that gets replaced every 30 minutes, or during the cooking process. Bake a 4-ounce chicken breast at 350°F (177°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
Is 12 minutes enough to cook chicken?
In an oven heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, a boneless, skinless, split chicken breast can cook through in about 10 to 12 minutes per side.
How to tell if chicken is thawed enough to cook?
Make a small cut in the thickest part of the breast or thigh to see if the chicken is fully defrosted. Insert your finger – the flesh should be soft and no ice crystals should remain. If you feel ice crystals or the flesh is solid you will need to continue defrosting.
How long should I preheat the oven before cooking thawed chicken?
The amount of time you need to preheat the oven before putting the thawed chicken breast in depends on several factors, including the type of oven you have and the desired cooking temperature. In general, it is recommended to preheat the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes before cooking the chicken breast.
How long should you preheat thawed chicken breast?
In conclusion, preheating the oven is an essential step when cooking thawed chicken breast. How long you need to heat the oven depends on the type of oven and the temperature you want to cook at. Most of the time, you should heat the oven for 10 to 15 minutes before putting the chicken breast in it.
How long does it take to thaw chicken?
The thawing time in the refrigerator depends primarily on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. A general rule of thumb is that it takes approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds of chicken. A single chicken breast might take a full day to thaw, while a whole chicken could take one to two days, or even longer for very large birds.
Can You refreeze thawed chicken before cooking?
Never leave chicken out on the counter to thaw. Once thawed in the refrigerator, the chicken can remain safe for an additional one to two days before cooking. If you decide not to cook it immediately, it’s safe to refreeze the chicken as long as it has been properly thawed in the refrigerator.
What temperature should thawed chicken be cooked to?
Remember to always use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety. In conclusion, the recommended temperature for baking thawed chicken breast is 350°F (175°C).
Can You thaw chicken breast?
You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time. Thawing the chicken breast ensures even cooking. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat. Preheating ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you put the chicken breast in.