Can You Put Frozen Chicken in the Crock Pot?
In the age of convenience, wouldn’t it be nice to prepare a meal quickly and easily without having to defrost food beforehand? With the slow-cooking convenience that the Crock Pot offers, the idea of putting frozen chicken in it at the beginning of the day and having a dinner ready hours later is certainly attractive. But is it possible?
What You Need to Consider
When it comes to considering putting frozen chicken in the Crock Pot, there are three major things to consider:
- Safety: The first and most important concern is food safety. One of the main risks is that the bird does not reach an internal temperature of 165F for minimum of 15 seconds, which can cause food-borne illnesses.
- Texture: Another concern is the texture of the final product. Slow-cooking tends to make chicken tender, but frozen chicken likely won’t absorb the flavors of the other ingredients as it cooks.
- Tastelessness: Lastly, the chicken may not taste as flavorful since it didn’t have the opportunity to marinate or absorb other flavors.
The Bottom Line
The answer is that while it is technically possible to put frozen chicken in the Crock Pot, it is not recommended, as it can cause food-borne illnesses or the chicken not to be as tender and flavorful. You’re better off defrosting the chicken first for the best meal time result.
