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Slow cooker filled with colorful vegetables and frozen chicken

Frozen Chicken in a Slow Cooker

This recipe lets you transform frozen chicken breasts into a tender, flavorful meal without the need to thaw them in advance. By layering simple seasonings and a light broth, your slow cooker gently brings the chicken to a safe, delicious finish—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a hands-off weekend meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker: 4–6 quart capacity works best.
  • Meat Thermometer: To verify that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
  • Cutting Board & Knife: For optional vegetable prep.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons: To measure out broth and seasonings.
  • Tongs or spatula (for handling the chicken)

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken:
  • 4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6–8 oz each)
  • Liquid & Seasoning:
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or your favorite Italian seasoning blend
  • Optional Add-ins:
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced (for added flavor and moisture)
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil if you prefer to sear the chicken first; note that searing is optional when using frozen chicken

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Slow Cooker Base:
  • If using, add the sliced onion (and minced garlic) to the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatics will create a flavor base and help distribute heat.
  • Arrange the Chicken:
  • Place the frozen chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker on top of the onions (if using). There’s no need to thaw—the slow cooker will gradually bring the chicken up to temperature.
  • Season Evenly:
  • Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme evenly over the chicken breasts.
  • Add the Liquid:
  • Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the slow cooker, ensuring that there’s enough liquid to help cook the chicken evenly and keep it moist.
  • Cooking Process:
  • Low Setting: Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours.
  • High Setting: Alternatively, cook on High for 2–3 hours.
  • Tip: Cooking on low heat is ideal for even, tender results.
  • Check Doneness:
  • Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken breast. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest and Serve:
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice or shred the chicken as desired, and serve with your favorite sides.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes (minimal prep, especially when using frozen chicken and pre-sliced vegetables)
  • Cook Time:
  • 4–6 hours on Low
  • 2–3 hours on High
  • Total Time: Approximately 4–6 hours (on Low) or 2–3 hours (on High)
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
  • Cuisine: American (adaptable with additional spices to suit other cuisines)
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb (suitable for many healthy eating plans)
  • Keywords
  • Frozen chicken
  • Slow cooker meal
  • Crockpot chicken
  • Easy dinner recipe
  • Weeknight meal
  • No-thaw chicken
  • Healthy slow-cooked chicken
  • Nutrition (per serving, approximate estimates)
  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (~6 oz)
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg (varies based on broth and salt adjustments)
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
  • Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on the exact ingredients and brands used.

Notes

Safety First: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Cooking Variations: Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts and the performance of your slow cooker. Adjust time as needed.
Optional Enhancements: For extra flavor, you might add a splash of lemon juice, a dash of smoked paprika, or even a spoonful of your favorite barbecue sauce during the last hour of cooking.
Avoid Frequent Lifting: Try not to lift the lid during cooking, as this can extend the cooking time by releasing heat.
Keyword Frozen chicken Slow cooker meal Crockpot chicken Easy dinner recipe Weeknight meal No-thaw chicken Healthy slow-cooked chicken