How to Boil Chicken From Frozen {No Defrosting!}

What if I told you that you could Boil Chicken Frozen and actually get better results than thawed chicken? This easy method takes frozen breasts from freezer to fork in 25 minutes, producing incredibly moist, tender meat that's perfect for meal prep and quick dinners!

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If the question “Can you boil frozen chicken?” has crossed your mind, you’re in for a surprise. We've all been there - you forgot to take out the chicken from the freezer, and now it's time to cook dinner. Panic sets in as you search for a way to defrost your frozen chicken quickly.

But what if I told you that there's no need to defrost it at all? I've boiled frozen chicken countless times, and each time, it comes out tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. It's great for soups, stews, salads, and more. Your family will never know you forgot to thaw out the chicken!

Can You Boil Frozen Chicken Breast Safely?

Cooking chicken breast from frozen is perfectly safe, so long as you do it correctly. The key is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature stops the growth of harmful bacteria and makes your chicken safe to eat. I use a meat thermometer (one of my favorite kitchen gadgets) to ensure my chicken is cooked right.

How Long to Boil a Whole Chicken?

A whole chicken can also be boiled from frozen, but it'll take longer to cook compared to smaller pieces of chicken. The size and weight of the chicken will determine how long it needs to boil. An average-sized whole chicken will take about 1.5-2 hours to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. 

Frozen chicken breasts are my go-to because they’re convenient, and for anyone asking, can you boil a frozen chicken, the answer is absolutely yes!

Why You'll Love Boiling Chicken from Frozen

• Quicker than thawing. Thawing chicken breast can take up to 24 hours in the fridge (and that's if you remember to take it out of the freezer!) Boiling frozen chicken can take as little as 15 minutes.
• Moist and juicy results. Boiling chicken from frozen helps to lock in moisture and make the chicken extra juicy.
• Budget-friendly. If you can, buying and freezing chicken in bulk can be a great way to save money on groceries. Also, frozen chicken is often cheaper than fresh at the grocery store.

Ingredients For Boiling Frozen Chicken Breast

• Frozen chicken breasts
• Water or chicken broth
• Salt

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

How to Boil Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Bring a pot of water or chicken broth to a boil. Make sure there is enough liquid to cover the chicken completely.

Step 2: Add salt for seasoning.

Step 3: Put 2 frozen chicken breasts into the pot.

Step 4: Boil for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Large chicken breasts will take longer to cook; boil for 20 minutes or until the center is 165°F.

Tips For Cooking Chicken From Frozen

It's super simple to cook chicken from frozen, but here are a few tips to help you with the process:

• Alter Cooking Time for Different Cuts: The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Larger ones will take longer to cook than smaller ones.
• Cook 2 Chicken Breasts at a Time: Like using larger chicken breasts, cooking more than 2 frozen chicken breasts will increase the cooking time. I usually cook 2 at a time for quicker and more even results.
• Use a Thermometer: I recommend using a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Season Well: Frozen chicken can be bland, so don't forget to season it well before cooking! I use salt, but you can also add other spices or herbs for more flavor.
• Use Enough Liquid: Always submerge your frozen chicken completely in water or broth to ensure even cooking. 
• Use Chicken Broth for Added Flavor: I have used water and chicken broth to boil frozen chicken lots of times. Chicken broth does add a little more flavor to the chicken, but either cooks the chicken just fine.

How to Shred Cooked Chicken

Here are 2 easy ways to shred cooked chicken:

1. Using a Fork: Place the cooked chicken on a cutting board and use 2 forks to pull the meat apart, shredding it into small pieces.
2. Using a Stand Mixer: Place the warm (not hot) cooked chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Turn on low speed for about 30 seconds until the chicken is shredded to your liking! It's so simple yet so effective.

How to Serve Boiled Frozen Chicken

The texture of boiled frozen chicken is soft, juicy, and tender. I prefer shredding or chopping it up and adding it to other recipes, but you can totally eat it as is! Here are some serving ideas for your boiled frozen chicken:

• Sun-dried tomato chicken pasta
• Chicken pasta casserole
• Chicken risotto
• Chicken pastina soup
• Cranberry chicken salad
• Homemade chicken and dumplings
• Crockpot chicken pot pie
• Creamy Tuscan chicken
• Slow cooker chicken enchiladas
• Chicken Caesar salad
• Instant Pot BBQ chicken

Boiled Frozen Chicken FAQS