Can You Cook Chicken from Frozen?

We’ve all been there: you come home from work, ready to start dinner, only to realize that you forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer to thaw. Is it safe to cook frozen chicken, or should you wait for it to thaw? We spoke to culinary experts to find out.

Can You Cook Chicken from Frozen?

You can cook chicken from frozen. It will take around 50% longer to cook than thawed chicken. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming it to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Experts advise that certain cooking methods are better suited to frozen chicken than others. For instance, baking or roasting can help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. On the other hand, pan-frying can lead to uneven cooking, leaving some parts undercooked.

Can You Cook Chicken from Frozen in an Instant Pot?

You can also cook frozen chicken in an Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, or another brand of pressure cooker or slow cooker. The previous requirements still apply here: It’ll take normal than longer to cook the chicken, and it shoul still be at least 165°F (74°C) when it’s consumed.

Invest in a Meat Thermometer When Cooking Frozen Chicken

Raw or undercooked chicken can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause food poisoning, so it’s worth investing in a meat thermometer, so you can ensure it’s at a safe temperature, one harmful bacteria can’t survive at, and is therefore safe to eat.

Meat thermometers are available in a variety of styles, including digital and analog models. Some even have wireless capabilities, making it easier to monitor the temperature without having to open the oven or grill, from an application on your Android or iOS phone or tablet.