Can You Cook Frozen Chicken in a Pan

Can you cook frozen chicken in a pan? Sometimes, you are just hungry and want to instantly cook the chicken freezing in the refrigerator. Thawing the chicken will take a long time. Therefore, you decide to put it straight in the oven or the pan.

Can you do that? Yes, there are many ways of safely and deliciously cooking chicken from frozen. Some of these methods are better than others. All of them have different times and temperatures for chicken breasts, wings, thighs, and more.

Can You Cook Chicken from Frozen?

Cooking chicken straight from frozen is quite possible. But – is it safe to safe to cook a frozen chicken directly? Some people are concerned about safety when it comes to cooking frozen foods. Fortunately, it is perfectly safe to cook frozen chicken according to USDA. You just need to cook it for 50% longer.

The first thing to keep in mind is to never cook frozen chicken in the microwave. Similarly, you should not subject it to slower cooking as well.

Microwaves will cook the chicken too quickly, leaving the internal parts partially or uncooked. The exterior may also achieve the minimum safe internal temperature of 165° earlier than the interior. The interior may never get to that temperature at all.

You should only use an oven for defrosting the meat. But – immediately cook the food after thawing for it to get out of the danger zone.

Cooking frozen chicken slowly means it will remain in the danger zone that is between 40°F and 140°F for a long time. Bacteria have a maximum growth rate within this temperature range.

Best Ways to Cook Chicken from Frozen?

The following are the best methods to cook a frozen chicken without thawing. You must be in possession of an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken while using these methods. Secondly, the cooking time will be 50% longer than cooking a fresh chicken.

How to Cook Frozen Chicken in an Instant Pot?

One of the fastest and easiest ways of cooking a chicken from frozen is to use an instant pot. You just need to follow these steps.

  1. Place the frozen chicken in the inner pot
  2. It should have a single layer with no overlap
  3. Sprinkle desired seasonings on the chicken
  4. Add a cup of broth to the pot
  5. Press the manual button to use high pressure for cooking chicken
  6. Cook the chicken for the times specified below
  7. Let the pressure release naturally for at least 5 minutes before doing a quick release
  8. Let the chicken cool down for 10-15 minutes

How long to cook frozen chicken breast in the instant pot?

The timings for cooking different parts of the chicken in the instant pot are as below.

  • Frozen chicken tenders, 2 to 4 ounces: 6 minutes
  • Frozen chicken wings, 2 to 3 ounces: 12 minutes
  • Chicken drumsticks, 4 ounces: 12 minutes
  • Frozen chicken thighs, 4 to 8 ounces: 13 to 15 minutes
  • Frozen chicken breasts (boneless), 4 to 6 ounces: 10 to 15 minutes

How to Cook Frozen Chicken in a Pan or Stovetop?

The benefit of cooking frozen chicken on the stovetop is that you can char the exterior without fully cooking the interior. Putting a frozen chicken directly on the stovetop will boil it easily as well. However, it is better to simmer it in a jarred sauce or pan sauce for having a juicier taste.

  1. Put the frozen chicken in a pot or sauté pan.
  2. Use seasonings as desired
  3. Cover the chicken with a sauce or broth
  4. Boil the chicken on a medium level heat
  5. Simmer and cover the chicken and cook it for the specified time for each part.

How long it takes a frozen chicken to cook on a stovetop?

  • Frozen chicken breasts (boneless), 4 to 6 ounces: 38 to 45 minutes
  • Frozen chicken breasts (bone-in) 6 to 8 ounces: 53 to 68 minutes
  • Frozen chicken wings, 2 to 3 ounces: 53 to 68 minutes
  • Frozen chicken thighs, 4 to 8 ounces: 60 to 75 minutes
  • Frozen chicken drumsticks, 4 ounces: 60 to 75 minutes

How to Cook Chicken from Frozen in the Oven?

The process of cooking fresh and frozen chicken in the oven is the same. It just takes longer for the latter to cook. To avoid overcooking, use lower temperatures (350°F to 365°) as compared to fresh chicken.

  1. Put a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F
  2. Use parchment paper or a foil to line the baking sheet
  3. Apply sauces/seasonings and oil of your choice to the chicken
  4. Keep the chicken uncovered and cook it for the times given below
  5. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness. The chicken is ready if its thickest part reads 165°F.
  6. Let the chicken cool down for 10-15 minutes

How long an oven takes to cook frozen chicken?

  • Frozen chicken tenders, 2 to 4 ounces: 28 to 33 minutes
  • Frozen chicken tenders, 2 to 4 ounces: 28 to 33 minutes
  • Frozen chicken breasts (boneless), 4 to 6 ounces: 30 to 45 minutes
  • Frozen chicken breasts (bone-in) 6 to 8 ounces: 45 to 60 minutes
  • Frozen chicken wings, 2 to 3 ounces: 45 to 60 minutes
  • Frozen chicken drumsticks, 4 ounces: 53 to 68 minutes
  • Frozen chicken thighs, 4 to 8 ounces: 60 to 75 minutes

How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Air Fryer?

An air fryer just works like a convection oven. They allow the frozen chicken exterior to get crisp and the interior to cook through by circulating hot air around it. However, you should never stack chickens on each other.

  • Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
  • Apply seasonings and oil as desired
  • Put chicken in the basket and flip it halfway through
  • Use the instant-read thermometer to check whether or not it has got to 165°F.

How long an air fryer takes to cook frozen chicken?

  • Frozen chicken tenders, 2 to 4 ounces: 13 minutes
  • Frozen chicken breasts (boneless), 4 to 6 ounces: 18 to 20 minutes
  • Frozen chicken thighs, 4 to 8 ounces: 20 to 22 minutes
  • Frozen chicken drumsticks, 4 ounces: 25 to 30 minutes
  • Frozen chicken wings, 2 to 3 ounces: 28 to 30 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook frozen chicken breast?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breast using an oven, instant pot, a frying pan, or an air fryer. All of these methods are also safe and healthy.

Can you fry chicken from frozen?

You can fry chicken from frozen but we don’t recommend it. It will also take 50% more time to defrost the chicken and fully cook it.

Can You Cook Frozen Chicken in a Pan?

You can cook chicken from frozen in a frying pan but not all of it. The only pieces that you can cook in a frying pan are chicken breasts and thighs.

Final Thoughts

You have got the answer to the question, “Can you cook frozen chicken in a pan?” You can use many ways to directly cook a frozen chicken. It will take 50% more time but the taste will be as good as cooking a fresh chicken.

 

Tags:

Chicken Recipes / Cooking Tips / Frozen Foods

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