How to Cook Frozen Chicken in Crock Pot (Easy!)

Need a super simple, hands-off way to get dinner started? Learn how to cook frozen chicken in crock pot with only two minutes of prep time! This crockpot frozen chicken recipe is a true weeknight hero. With just a few pantry staples and no need to thaw the chicken, you’ll have tender, juicy shredded chicken ready to go for tacos, soups, sandwiches, and more.

Don’t worry if you forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer—I’ve got you covered! This guide shows you how to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot for a safe, delicious, and effortless dinner. No thawing, no stress, just tasty results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No thawing needed – Straight from freezer to crockpot! Simply run the frozen chicken under warm water (still in the package) to loosen it up enough to get the chicken out!
• Minimal ingredients – Just 7 simple ingredients you probably already have. You can also change up any of the seasonings to use what you have on hand.
• Effortless meal prep – Great for batch cooking and meal prep.
• Versatile – Use it in tons of different dishes. Add a variety of different seasonings after cooking and turn this dish into the base of hundreds of other recipes.
• Family-friendly – Mild, savory flavor the whole family will enjoy.
• Budget-friendly – Perfect for using up frozen chicken you already have on hand. Buy it on sale and save it for busy nights!

The Role of Each Ingredient

• Chicken (frozen boneless, skinless breasts or thighs) – The star of the show! Cooking from frozen makes this recipe ultra convenient.
• Chicken broth – Adds moisture and flavor while helping the chicken cook evenly. You can use plain water too if needed or mix water and bouillon according to package instructions.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and brings out the natural taste of the chicken.
• Black pepper – Adds a mild kick and rounds out the seasonings.
• Onion powder – Brings savory, slightly sweet depth without needing fresh onions.
• Garlic powder – A pantry staple that gives warmth and flavor.
• Paprika – Adds a mild smokiness and color.
• Optional Seasonings – The sky is the limit here! Add whatever your family loves. I personally like to keep the seasonings pretty simple on the base recipe so I can add whatever other sauces and flavors we like throughout the week in different recipes using the shredded chicken as the base.

Tips and Substitutions When Learning How To Cook Frozen Chicken In The Crock Pot

• Use thighs instead of breasts if you prefer richer, juicier meat.
• Low-sodium broth can be used to control the salt level.
• Add extra flavor by tossing in a bay leaf, a splash of lemon juice, or some Italian seasoning.
• Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Turn it into a full meal by adding chopped potatoes and carrots about halfway through cooking.

Important safety note: The USDA recommends not cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker due to potential safety concerns. However, many home cooks (myself included!) successfully and safely cook frozen chicken in the crockpot by using high heat and making sure it reaches 165°F as quickly as possible. Always use your best judgment and a food thermometer.

Helpful tip: Look up your crockpot model online and read the product manual. It will specify whether your exact crockpot model is equipped to handle frozen meat.

How to Store This Recipe

Once cooked and cooled:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Store in individual portions for easy use later.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Cook Frozen Chicken In Crock Pot

Can you cook frozen chicken in a crockpot?
Yes, you can—but it’s important to cook it on high heat and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as quickly as possible. Always use a food thermometer to check for safety.

How long does it take to cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
On high, frozen chicken breasts typically take about 4–5 hours. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your slow cooker.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to add hearty vegetables like carrots or potatoes after the first hour of cooking so they don’t become mushy.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh chicken will cook faster—check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high.

Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes, but the broth adds extra flavor. If using water, consider adding a bouillon cube or some extra seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Cook Frozen Chicken in Crock Pot

Ingredients:

• 2–3 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Add broth to crockpot
   Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add frozen chicken
   Place the frozen chicken breasts or thighs directly into the crockpot.
3. Sprinkle seasonings
   Evenly sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook
   Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4–5 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Shred or serve
   Once fully cooked, shred with two forks or slice and serve as desired. Use immediately, or let cool and store.

Now you’re all set with a no-fuss, always-tender slow cooker chicken recipe that starts straight from the freezer. Perfect for busy days when you need dinner to make itself!

How Long To Cook Frozen Chicken In A Crock Pot

On High:

Cook frozen chicken breast on high for 4-5 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

On Low:

For safety reasons, it is recommended not to cook frozen chicken on low in the crockpot. If you do, consider starting on high for the first 1-2 hours to get the chicken thawed and out of the “danger zone” temperatures before turning it down to low for the remaining cooking time of 6-8 hours.

Looking for ways to serve this simple dish? I’ve got you covered:

• BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Toss it with BBQ sauce and serve pulled chicken sandwiches. Alternatively, check out my Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe.
• Chicken Chili: Replace the raw chicken in this Healthy Chicken Chili Recipe with shredded chicken and cook it even faster!
• Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Substitute it for Chicken Tenders in my Easy CopyCat Cheddars Buffalo Chicken Wraps.
• Buffalo Chicken Dip: Speaking of buffalo, use it in my Healthy Greek Yogurt Buffalo Chicken Dip.
• Enchiladas: Swap the ground beef for it in my Lazy Skillet Enchiladas.
• Burrito Bowls: Use it in Burrito Bowls for a customizable dinner the whole family will love.

You can also try it in tacos, casseroles, chicken salad, or grain bowls. Let me know your favorite way to use it! The opportunities are truly endless!

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