Frozen Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Frozen Chicken in Crock Pot is a total game-changer for busy days! With almost no prep, your slow cooker works its magic, turning frozen chicken into juicy, tender, and flavorful meat perfect for shredding, slicing, or serving as a main dish. Whether you’re streamlining meal prep or throwing together a last-minute dinner, this foolproof method guarantees delicious results every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow-cooked chicken with a golden-brown glaze, garnished with fresh herbs in a cast-iron pan. — Perfectly slow-cooked and caramelized chicken, infused with herbs and rich flavors.

Effortless – Just toss in the frozen chicken, set it, and forget it!
Juicy & Tender – Slow cooking locks in moisture for perfectly cooked chicken.
Versatile – Use it for tacos, salads, soups, or as a main dish.
Healthy – A simple, wholesome way to cook protein without added oils or fats.

Ingredients Frozen Chicken in Crock Pot

A plate of raw chicken breasts with bowls of butter, salt, and pepper, set on a striped kitchen towel. — Fresh ingredients for a crockpot chicken recipe, including raw chicken, butter, salt, and pepper.

Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.

Frozen Chicken Breasts or Thighs – No need to thaw! Use boneless, skinless for best results.
Chicken Broth or Water – Adds moisture and prevents sticking.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Simple seasoning for extra flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Enhances the taste.
Italian Seasoning or Poultry Seasoning – Optional, but adds great depth of flavor.
Butter or Olive Oil – Optional, for richer flavor.

How to Make Frozen Chicken in Crock Pot

1. Add the Chicken

Place the frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the crock pot in a single layer.

2. Season It

Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like.

3. Add Liquid

Pour chicken broth or water over the chicken to keep it moist while cooking.

4. Cook on Low or High

Low: Cook for 6-8 hours.
High: Cook for 3-4 hours.

5. Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

6. Shred or Serve

Shred the chicken for tacos, sandwiches, or salads, or serve it whole with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips for Making Frozen Chicken in Crock Pot

Avoid Overcrowding – Arrange the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.
Use a Thermometer – This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Add a Sauce – For extra flavor, cook with BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or salsa.
Let It Rest – After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes before shredding to retain juiciness.

How to Serve Frozen Chicken in Crock Pot

Shred and mix with BBQ sauce for pulled chicken sandwiches.
Toss into salads, tacos, or burrito bowls.
Serve with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Use in soups, casseroles, or pasta dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Shred or slice the chicken and store it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.

FAQs Frozen Chicken in Crock Pot

Can you put frozen chicken in the crockpot?

It’s not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot due to food safety concerns. The slow cooker heats food gradually, which means frozen chicken can spend too much time in the temperature “danger zone” (40°F–140°F), where bacteria can multiply. It’s best to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking.

Is it safe to cook frozen chicken without thawing?

No, cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker is not considered safe because it takes too long for the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. The USDA recommends thawing chicken before slow cooking to ensure food safety.

How do you defrost chicken quickly in a crockpot?

You should not defrost chicken in a crockpot. Instead, use safer methods like:
Cold water method: Place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Microwave method: Use the defrost setting on your microwave, but cook the chicken immediately afterward to prevent bacteria growth.
Refrigerator method: Thaw chicken in the fridge overnight for safe, even defrosting.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?

Cooking chicken on low is better for tender, juicy results. Cooking on high can cause the chicken to dry out and become tough. Most recipes recommend cooking on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, depending on the cut and size of the chicken.

Is 3 hours in a slow cooker enough for chicken?

It depends on the temperature setting and cut of chicken. If cooking on high, boneless chicken breasts or thighs might be done in 3–4 hours. However, if cooking on low, 3 hours is usually not enough. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

How long can you leave chicken in a crockpot on low?

Chicken can safely be cooked in a crockpot on low for 6–8 hours. After that, it should either be served or stored properly. Leaving chicken in the slow cooker too long can cause it to become mushy and overly soft.

How long should I cook chicken in a slow cooker?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken: 6–9 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high.
Whole chicken: 7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high.
Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What makes chicken tough in crockpot cooking?

Chicken can become tough in a slow cooker if:
It’s overcooked – Cooking too long, especially on high heat, can dry out and toughen the meat.
There’s not enough liquid – Slow cooking relies on moisture to keep chicken tender.
Cooking temperature is too high – Low and slow is best for soft, juicy chicken.
The cut of chicken is too lean – Chicken breasts can dry out faster than thighs, which have more fat and connective tissue for tenderness.

Conclusion

Cooking frozen chicken in the crock pot is a simple, hands-off method that delivers juicy, tender meat every time. Whether you’re meal prepping, making a weeknight dinner, or need a quick protein boost, this method is reliable and delicious. With a few seasonings and a little patience, you’ll have a versatile, flavorful chicken ready to enjoy in countless dishes. Give it a try and enjoy effortless, home-cooked goodness!