You may ask yourself, “Can I cook frozen chicken?” when it’s time to make dinner but your chicken is still frozen. Yes! I’m sharing everything you need to know about baking frozen chicken breasts so they turn out perfectly every single time.
Chicken is a kid-favorite protein that can be cooked up in a variety of different ways. While I love grilling and pan-searing chicken, baking is often my go-to method since by simply adding a veggie or two to the pan, it transforms into an epic sheet pan dinner.
It would be great if chicken was always defrosted and ready to cook when it’s time to make dinner, but in real life, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, we’re left with a solid block of chicken and no ideas for dinner.
If that sounds like you, read on, I’ll take you step-by-step on how to pull of dinner tonight without ordering takeout. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
When you’re short on time, cooking frozen chicken in the oven can be a quick and easy way to make dinner. But to make sure the chicken is safe and cooked right, you need to know how long to bake frozen chicken parts like breasts, thighs, wings, and so on. This detailed guide gives you tips, techniques, and cooking times to help you always bake frozen chicken perfectly in the oven.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken in the Oven?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely cook frozen chicken directly in the oven without thawing it first. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
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The cooking time will be longer because frozen chicken can take 50–100% longer to cook than fresh or thawed chicken. This extra time is needed to make sure the chicken is cooked safely to the right internal temperature.
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Use a meat thermometer – Always check the internal temperature of chicken to determine doneness, regardless of cooking time. Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F.
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Avoid slow cookers/crockpots – Slow cookers may not heat frozen chicken quickly enough to avoid bacteria growth.
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Increase oven temperature slightly – Cooking at 350-375°F helps compensate for the increased cooking time.
So as long as you account for the longer cooking time and use a thermometer, baking frozen chicken in the oven is perfectly safe.
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts
Frozen chicken breasts without bones or skin need 30 to 45 minutes in a 350°F oven. Bone-in breasts take 45-60 minutes. The breasts’ size and thickness determine how long they need to cook. After 30 minutes, check the temperature.
Here are some more specific oven bake times for frozen chicken breasts:
- 4-6 oz boneless breasts – 35-40 minutes
- 6-8 oz bone-in breasts – 50-55 minutes
- 10 oz bone-in breasts – 60-65 minutes
An instant read thermometer is the best way to be sure the food is done. Chicken breasts should reach 165°F at the thickest part. If they are still not done after the expected amount of time in the oven, keep cooking and checking every 5 minutes until they are.
Let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier results.
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue than breasts, so they require a longer cook time. Most frozen chicken thighs need 60-80 minutes in the oven at 350°F.
For reference, these are estimated oven bake times for frozen chicken thighs:
- 4 oz boneless thighs – 60-65 minutes
- 6 oz bone-in thighs – 70-75 minutes
- 8 oz bone-in thighs – 75-80 minutes
Just like with breasts, use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Thighs are done at 165°F. Let them rest 5 minutes before serving.
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Legs/Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are small but dense, especially with the bone in. Expect frozen drumsticks to take about:
- 60-75 minutes at 350°F
You can tell they’re done when the meat pulls back from the bone and/or registers 165°F on a thermometer.
For safety, it’s best to cook frozen drumsticks thoroughly to ensure the meat near the bone is fully cooked.
How Long to Cook Other Frozen Chicken Parts
Here are estimated oven bake times for other frozen chicken pieces:
- Wings – 45-60 minutes
- Tenders – 25-35 minutes
- Ground chicken – 35-40 minutes
Ground chicken cooks faster than whole pieces. But again, the most reliable doneness indicator is an internal temp of 165°F.
Tips for Baked Frozen Chicken
Follow these tips for the best results when oven baking frozen chicken:
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Use a meat thermometer – This is crucial for properly cooked chicken. Insert into the thickest area.
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Preheat the oven – This helps the chicken cook evenly. Preheat to 375°F.
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Use a baking sheet – Line it with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
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Season the chicken – Sprinkle with salt, pepper, herbs, etc before baking.
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Bake uncovered – This allows surface moisture to evaporate for crisper skin.
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Avoid overcrowding – Leave space between pieces for even cooking.
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Let it rest – Wait 5-10 minutes before cutting for juicier chicken.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to over or undercook frozen chicken. Avoid these mistakes:
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Not using a meat thermometer – This leads to undercooked chicken.
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Overcrowding the pan – This prevents even cooking.
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Baking at too low of a temperature – This extends the cook time and can lead to unsafe temperature conditions. Stick to 350-375°F.
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Not allowing the chicken to rest – Skipping this leads to drier, tougher meat.
Should You Thaw First?
You don’t need to thaw chicken before baking it. Cooking from frozen is safe when done properly. However, there are a few benefits to thawing chicken in the fridge first:
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Shortens the cook time – Thawed chicken bakes faster than frozen.
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Better flavor absorption – Spices and marinades adhere better to thawed meat.
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Improved texture – Thawed chicken is less likely to have icy spots or be stringy.
If you have time, thawing in the fridge overnight is ideal. But baking frozen chicken works in a pinch!
Cooking Frozen Chicken Safely
Follow these guidelines when cooking any frozen chicken:
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Thaw or cook chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing it. Don’t refreeze raw chicken once thawed.
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When baking chicken from frozen, use an oven-safe thermometer to check the internal temperature.
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Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thickest part of the meat.
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Don’t rinse raw chicken before cooking, as this can spread bacteria.
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Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other foods.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Reheat to 165°F.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Besides using the oven, you can also safely cook frozen chicken in:
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The slow cooker – Use a newer model and cook on high heat for recommended cook times.
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Instant Pot – Cook frozen chicken pieces for 10-15 minutes on manual high pressure.
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On the stovetop – Simmer frozen chicken pieces in broth, sauce or salsa until fully cooked.
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Grill – Thaw chicken slightly before grilling to ensure even cooking. Use a thermometer.
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Air fryer – Spray frozen chicken with oil and cook at 360°F, flipping halfway through.
Recipes to Try
Here are some delicious oven-baked frozen chicken recipes to try:
Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
Coat frozen wings with buffalo sauce and bake at 400°F for 50-60 minutes until crispy.
Chicken Fajitas
Top fajitas with baked frozen chicken breast, sautéed peppers and onions, cheese, etc.
Chicken Parmesan
Bread frozen chicken breasts and bake with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
Chicken Pot Pie
Mix baked frozen chicken with veggies and gravy, then top with pie crust and bake.
Chicken Enchiladas
Fill tortillas with baked frozen chicken and cheese, then smother with enchilada sauce.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Top pizza crust with bbq sauce, frozen chicken pieces, cheese, red onion, cilantro.
Cooking frozen chicken in the oven is an easy, safe option for a fast dinner, as long as you follow a few guidelines. Allow plenty of time for frozen chicken to cook through fully to the proper internal temperature. While thawed chicken may cook faster, baking straight from the freezer works in a pinch. Use a meat thermometer, avoid overcrowding, and take advantage of simple seasoning and sauce pairings. In no time, you’ll be serving up delicious oven-baked frozen chicken recipes to please your family or dinner guests.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Oven
To cook frozen chicken in the oven you will need a sheet pan , chicken breasts and your choice of seasonings, marinade, or sauce. Here’s what to do:
- Prep Preheat the oven to 350F. Use cooking spray or olive oil to grease a large baking dish or sheet pan. Lay out the chicken breasts in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Spice up the chicken: Now is the time to add your favorite spices or marinade to the frozen chicken. You can also use BBQ or teriyaki sauce to baste the chicken, but make sure you add it in the last 15 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t burn or run off.
- Bake the chicken as directed, adding 20% more time than the original recipe’s cook time or until the internal temperature reaches 1665F for white meat or 1765F for dark meat cuts.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven.
In a rush? You can air-fry frozen chicken in just 35 minutes!
Want to watch how it’s done? Check out this video and I’ll walk you through everything so you can see the whole process.
Can you Bake Frozen Chicken?
When it comes to cooking chicken into delicious, family-pleasing meals, I’ve learned quite a few tips and tricks over the years, including how to bake frozen chicken straight from the freezer, no thawing required.
While you can bake and pan-fry frozen chicken, it’s important to know that chicken should never be cooked in a microwave or slow cooker straight from the freezer. These methods keep the raw, frozen chicken above 40F for longer than the recommended 1 hour. Making it an ideal environment for bacteria to breed and contaminate the food.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Oven
FAQ
How long does it take to cook frozen chicken in the oven?
Cooking frozen chicken in the oven typically takes around 50% longer than cooking thawed chicken, with a general guideline of adding an extra 20-30 minutes. For instance, if a recipe calls for 20 minutes for chicken breasts that have been thawed, it could take 40 to 50 minutes if you start with frozen chicken breasts.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
How long do I cook frozen cooked chicken?
Roast the ChickenPop the chicken in the oven and let it roast. Here’s a simple rule of thumb:For a thawed chicken, you generally cook it for about 20 minutes per pound. For a frozen chicken, increase that to about 30 minutes per pound.
How long to cook thawed chicken at 400 degrees?
Cooking time: The most important thing is to make sure the chicken isn’t overcooked. Using a meat thermometer, cook to 165°F. Kitchen temperature: I cook at a high temperature so the meat stays tender and gets a nice brown color on the outside. Bake chicken breasts at 400°F for 21 to 26 minutes.
How long does it take to cook a whole frozen chicken?
A: It typically takes about 2-3 hours to cook a whole frozen chicken in the oven at 375°F. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the accuracy of your oven temperature. Q: What are some recommended herbs and spices to season the whole frozen chicken?.
How do you cook frozen chicken in the oven?
To bake frozen chicken in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, put the frozen chicken. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Stovetop cooking is another option for cooking frozen chicken.
Can you cook frozen chicken breast in the oven?
Cooking frozen chicken breast in the oven can be straightforward, but there are techniques to maximize flavor and texture. Below, we explore several methods: One of the simplest ways to cook frozen chicken breast is to roast it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a moderate temperature that allows for even cooking.
Can You bake frozen chicken?
The key to success with baking chicken (fresh or frozen) is to find the correct combination of cook time and temperature. The longer you cook at a lower temperature, the more you risk dry meat. The higher the temperature, the more monitoring you have to do, but the bake time will be quicker and the meat may be more tender.
How to cook frozen chicken before cooking?
Before cooking frozen chicken, it is important to properly prepare it to ensure that it cooks evenly and thoroughly. Here are some important steps to follow: Defrost the chicken: It is important to defrost the chicken before cooking it.
Can you cook frozen chicken thighs in the oven?
To cook frozen chicken breasts in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the frozen chicken breasts in a baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy cut of meat that are perfect for stovetop cooking.