Cook Chicken from Frozen
This recipe provides a simple and convenient way to cook chicken directly from the freezer—no thawing required! Using just a few common seasonings and an oven, you can have tender, juicy chicken breasts ready for a healthy weeknight dinner. The method ensures even cooking while keeping cleanup to a minimum.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Optional: Small bowl (for mixing spices)
Ingredients
- 4 frozen chicken breasts 6–8 oz each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for color and a mild smoky flavor
- Optional: A pinch of dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Arrange the frozen chicken breasts on the baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken. Then, sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any dried herbs evenly over the pieces.
- Initial Baking:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes. This initial phase starts the thawing process and begins the cooking.
- Flip and Continue Baking:
- After 30 minutes, use tongs to flip each chicken breast. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes. The total cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
- Check for Doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. When the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C), the chicken is safely cooked through.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, flavorful bite.
- Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes (depending on chicken thickness)
- Total Time: 55–65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (versatile for various seasonings and sides)
- Diet: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Carb
- Keywords
- frozen chicken, oven-baked chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy chicken recipe, no thawing required, quick chicken recipe
- Nutrition (per serving)
- (Based on one 6–8 oz chicken breast with minimal added fat from olive oil and spices)
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (6–8 oz)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: ~500 mg (this can vary with salt usage)
- Fat: ~10 g
- Saturated Fat: ~2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~1 g (nearly negligible, mostly from spices)
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: ~30 g
- Cholesterol: ~80 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the size of the chicken breasts and the specific brands of ingredients used.
Notes
Cooking Time Variations: The total cooking time may need adjustment depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Always rely on the meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Seasoning Flexibility: Feel free to adjust or add seasonings (like chili powder or lemon zest) to suit your taste.
Sauce Options: If desired, brush your favorite barbecue or teriyaki sauce on the chicken during the last 5–10 minutes of baking for an extra flavor boost.
Safety Tip: Cooking chicken from frozen is safe as long as it reaches the proper internal temperature. Avoid partially cooking and then refrigerating; always complete the cooking process in one session.
Seasoning Flexibility: Feel free to adjust or add seasonings (like chili powder or lemon zest) to suit your taste.
Sauce Options: If desired, brush your favorite barbecue or teriyaki sauce on the chicken during the last 5–10 minutes of baking for an extra flavor boost.
Safety Tip: Cooking chicken from frozen is safe as long as it reaches the proper internal temperature. Avoid partially cooking and then refrigerating; always complete the cooking process in one session.