When you’re planning dinner with chicken as the star ingredient knowing exactly how long to cook your thawed chicken is crucial. Nobody wants to serve undercooked poultry (hello food poisoning!) or overcooked, dry chicken that feels like chewing on rubber. I’ve been there, done that, and trust me – it’s not a pleasant experience for anyone at your dinner table!
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking times for thawed chicken, regardless of which cooking method you prefer or which cut you’re working with.
Understanding the Basics of Cooking Thawed Chicken
Before diving into specific cooking times let’s understand what we’re working with. Thawed chicken is simply chicken that was previously frozen and has now been defrosted properly. The thawing process affects how the chicken cooks so starting with properly thawed chicken is essential for achieving the best results.
When chicken is frozen ice crystals form inside the cells which can impact texture and moisture. Once thawed, chicken can generally be cooked just like fresh chicken, but with some considerations for safety and quality.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
Several important factors influence how long your thawed chicken will take to cook:
- Cut and thickness: Bigger, thicker pieces take longer to cook than smaller, thinner pieces
- Cooking method: Grilling, baking, sautéing, etc. all have different heat transfer rates
- Temperature: Both the cooking temperature and starting temperature of the chicken impact cooking time
- Bone presence: Bone-in chicken typically takes longer than boneless
- Marinade: Marinades containing acidic ingredients can slightly affect cooking time
The single most important guideline: regardless of cooking method, chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
General Cooking Time Guidelines for Thawed Chicken
Here are the approximate cooking times for various chicken cuts using different cooking methods. Remember, these are estimates – always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness!
Oven Baking (at 375°F/190°C)
| Chicken Cut | Approximate Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 15-18 minutes |
| Bone-in chicken breasts | 20-25 minutes |
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 18-20 minutes |
| Bone-in chicken thighs | 35-45 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 35-45 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 25-35 minutes |
| Whole chicken (3-4 lbs) | 60-80 minutes (20 mins per pound) |
Grilling (Medium-High Heat, around 375°F/190°C)
| Chicken Cut | Approximate Cooking Time (per side) |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 5-6 minutes |
| Bone-in chicken breasts | 7-8 minutes |
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 5-6 minutes |
| Bone-in chicken thighs | 8-10 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 5-6 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 4-5 minutes |
Sautéing/Pan-Frying (Medium-High Heat)
| Chicken Cut | Approximate Cooking Time (per side) |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 5-6 minutes |
| Bone-in chicken breasts | 7-8 minutes |
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 5-6 minutes |
| Bone-in chicken thighs | 8-10 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 5-6 minutes |
Cooking Methods in Detail
Baking Thawed Chicken
Baking is one of the most convenient cooking methods and works well for almost all chicken cuts.
Steps for perfect baked chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Season the chicken as desired
- Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Bake according to the timing chart above
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C)
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
Pro tip: For crispy skin, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, but watch carefully to prevent burning!
Grilling Thawed Chicken
Grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor to chicken and is perfect for summer cooking.
Steps for perfect grilled chicken:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C)
- Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking
- Season chicken as desired
- Place chicken on the grill
- Cook according to the timing chart above, flipping once
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Pro tip: Don’t move the chicken too early – let it develop grill marks before flipping.
Sautéing Thawed Chicken
Sautéing is quick and ideal for weeknight meals when you’re in a hurry.
Steps for perfect sautéed chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat
- Add a small amount of oil or butter
- Season chicken as desired
- Place chicken in the skillet (don’t overcrowd!)
- Cook according to the timing chart above, flipping once
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving
Pro tip: For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
Ensuring Your Chicken is Cooked Properly
The most reliable way to determine if chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding contact with bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Some visual indicators that can complement (but not replace) thermometer readings:
- Clear juices when pierced (not pink)
- Firm texture when pressed
- No visible pink meat, especially near bones
- Shrinkage from its raw state
Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Thawed Chicken
Nobody likes dry chicken! Here are some tricks to ensure your thawed chicken stays moist and delicious:
Brining
Soaking your thawed chicken in a saltwater solution before cooking can significantly improve moisture retention. A basic brine consists of:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup salt
- Optional: herbs, spices, sugar
Brine boneless pieces for 30 minutes to 2 hours, and whole chickens for 4-12 hours in the refrigerator.
Marinating
Marinades not only add flavor but can also help tenderize the meat. Effective marinades typically contain:
- An acid (lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt)
- Oil
- Seasonings and aromatics
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum impact.
Proper Resting
This is SO important and often overlooked! After cooking, let your chicken rest for:
- 5-10 minutes for chicken pieces
- 15-20 minutes for whole chickens
This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you cut into it.
Troubleshooting Common Chicken Cooking Problems
My Chicken is Dry
If your chicken turns out dry, you’ve probably overcooked it. Next time:
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid exceeding 165°F
- Try brining or marinating
- Cook at a moderate temperature
- Make sure you’re letting it rest properly
My Chicken is Unevenly Cooked
Uneven cooking usually results from:
- Uneven thickness (pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness)
- Overcrowding the pan (leave space between pieces)
- Not rotating during cooking
The Outside is Burnt But Inside Isn’t Done
This suggests your cooking temperature is too high. Lower the heat and cook more gradually to allow heat to penetrate without burning the exterior.
Food Safety Considerations
When working with thawed chicken, food safety is paramount:
- Thawing safely: Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave – never at room temperature
- Storage time: After thawing, chicken should be cooked within 1-2 days
- Preventing cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken
- Hand washing: Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken
- Cooking temperature: Always cook to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
Cooking thawed chicken perfectly takes practice, but understanding the basic principles and timing guidelines will get you most of the way there. Remember that the times provided are approximations – your actual cooking time may vary based on your specific situation and equipment.
The most important takeaways:
- Use a good meat thermometer
- Cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
- Consider the cut, thickness, and cooking method when estimating time
- Let your chicken rest before cutting into it
- Prioritize food safety at every step
With these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to serving up perfectly cooked chicken every time. No more dry, rubbery disasters or undercooked food safety concerns!
What’s your favorite way to cook chicken? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below!
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken
It will take approximately 4-6 hours to cook chicken from frozen in a slow cooker, depending on the amount of chicken and the specific functions of your slow cooker. And of course, it will depend on the size of the frozen chicken pieces — there’s a big difference between a few chicken thighs and a whole frozen chicken. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
This method of cooking chicken from frozen takes a while, but hey, it’s called a slow cooker for a reason, right?
If this slow cooking process is too long to wait, you can help the chicken thaw more quickly by sealing it in a bag and placing it in a bowl of cold water. Never use hot water for this step! It may take about an hour to thaw, but it keeps you out of the danger zone for food-borne illnesses. Do not leave thawed chicken out at room temperature for more than two hours for the same reason.
The good news is you can always defrost chicken in a microwave if needed.
Ingredients for making frozen chicken in a crock pot or slow cooker:
- Frozen chicken breast (or two)
- Butter (optional)
- Poultry seasoning
- A little bit of salt and black pepper
The seasoning mix is up to you. It could include chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, jerk chicken seasoning, or our chicken taco seasoning. These will all give you a flavorful chicken.
How to make frozen chicken breasts in a crock pot or slow cooker:
- Add chicken breasts, butter, poultry seasoning, and salt and pepper into the crock pot.
- Cook on low heat for 6 hours or high heat for 4 hours.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached at least 165°F.
Can I Cook Frozen Chicken in a Crock Pot?
The USDA recommends thawing meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker.
They cite the fact that frozen pieces will take longer to reach safe internal temperatures, which is a known cause for foodborne illness. Additionally, frozen or partially frozen foods will also cool everything else in the slow cooker and contribute to a longer cooking time and a less safe cooking environment.
With all of this in mind, some meals are designed for use in the slow cooker that may be frozen. The manufacturer’s instructions will be your best bet for food safety and preparation.
The USDA has also addressed slow cooker food safety guidelines that will help users make the best choices and use the best practices when making meals with a crock pot. We strongly suggest reading these no matter what you plan to make!
When preparing chicken in the slow cooker, it is helpful to make the chicken by itself, without any other sides included. This prevents the cooling of other food items, and the transfer of temperatures between ingredients.
Cooking frozen chicken in the crock pot can make a great shredded or pulled chicken that can be used for multiple recipes.
Here are some of our favorite recipes to make with your shredded crock pot chicken!
How to Defrost Chicken Quickly & Safely | Thaw Chicken Fast with MOMables
FAQ
How long to cook a whole thawed chicken?
For a thawed chicken, you generally cook it for about 20 minutes per pound. For a frozen chicken, increase that to about 30 minutes per pound.
How soon should you cook chicken after thawing?
After defrosting chicken, it’s best to cook and eat it within 1 to 2 days if it has been thawed in the refrigerator. If you thawed the chicken using cold water or in the microwave, it should be cooked immediately after thawing.
How long does thawed chicken take to cook at 350 degrees?
In fact, it’s not unusual for raw poultry to contain many different types of bacteria. There are only three ways to thaw chicken properly: Thaw in the refrigerator, under cold water that gets replaced every 30 minutes, or during the cooking process. Bake a 4-ounce chicken breast at 350°F (177°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
How long does thawed chicken cook in the oven?