Crockpot Frozen Chicken – The Best 5 Recipes for Quick Dinners

We’ve all been there—you forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer, and now dinner time is approaching fast. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to panic! With your trusty slow cooker, you can turn frozen chicken into a tender, flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Crockpot frozen chicken recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, meal preps, and last-minute meal ideas. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also packed with protein and can be customized with various flavors and ingredients.

In this article, we’ll share five of the best crockpot frozen chicken recipes that will save you time and effort while delivering delicious, satisfying meals. Whether you’re looking for a creamy comfort dish, a tangy BBQ option, or a zesty Mexican-inspired meal, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive in and discover the easiest, most delicious ways to cook frozen chicken in a crock pot!

5 Easy and Delicious Crockpot Frozen Chicken Recipes

1. Classic Crockpot Shredded Chicken

If you need a versatile, meal-prep-friendly option, shredded chicken is the way to go. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Pour chicken broth over the top and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken becomes tender.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the juices.
5. Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container for future use.

✔ Tip: This shredded chicken is a great base for tacos, wraps, and casseroles!

2. Creamy Ranch Chicken

Craving something rich and creamy? This ranch-flavored chicken is a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• One 10.5-ounce can of cream chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add frozen chicken to the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken.
3. Pour in the cream of chicken soup and mix slightly.
4. Slow cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese before serving.
6. Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

✔ Tip: Add crumbled bacon on top for extra flavor!

3. Honey Garlic Chicken

This sweet and savory dish is perfect for rice or veggies!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen chicken thighs
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Place frozen chicken thighs in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and oregano.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.

✔ Tip: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.

4. Zesty Salsa Chicken

A simple yet flavorful Mexican-inspired dish perfect for tacos and burritos!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts
• 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup corn (optional)
• One 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed (optional).

Instructions:

1. Place frozen chicken in the crockpot.
2. Pour salsa over the chicken and sprinkle in the seasonings.
3. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until fully done.
4. Shred the chicken and stir in the corn and black beans (if using).
5. Enjoy in tacos, burrito bowls, or served over rice.

✔ Tip: Add shredded cheese and avocado for extra flavor!

5. BBQ Pulled Chicken

A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sandwiches or sliders!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Place frozen chicken in the crockpot.
2. Mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl.
3. Pour over the chicken.
4. Slow cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken and serve on buns or with coleslaw.

✔ Tip: Use a tangy BBQ sauce for extra flavor!

FAQs About Cooking Crockpot Frozen Chicken

Can you put frozen chicken in the crockpot?

No, it is not recommended to put frozen chicken in a crockpot. The slow cooker heats up gradually, keeping the chicken in the danger zone (40°F–140°F) for too long, which increases the risk of bacterial growth. Always thaw the chicken first before using a crockpot.

Can you cook frozen chicken without thawing?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken without thawing using safe cooking methods like:
✔ Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) – Quickly cooks frozen chicken to a safe temperature.
✔ Oven Baking – Increases cooking time by about 50% compared to fresh chicken.
✔ Stovetop Simmering – Works well for soups and shredded chicken.

Avoid slow cookers and air fryers for frozen chicken due to uneven cooking.

Can I put frozen chicken in the cooker?

It depends on the type of cooker:
✔ Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker): Yes, it safely cooks frozen chicken quickly.
✖ Slow Cooker (Crockpot): No, it is unsafe due to slow heating.
✔ Rice Cooker (for boiling or steaming): Yes, but cooking time will be longer.

What is the best way to cook frozen chicken?

The best and safest methods to cook frozen chicken are:
✔ Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of broth, set to high pressure, and cook for 10-15 minutes (boneless) or 20-25 minutes (bone-in).
✔ Oven Baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes (boneless) or 50-60 minutes (bone-in).
✔ Stovetop: Simmer in broth or sauce for 30-40 minutes until fully cooked.

Conclusion

Cooking crockpot frozen chicken is a game-changer for busy home cooks. With these five easy, flavorful recipes, you’ll never have to stress about last-minute dinners again. From creamy ranch chicken to BBQ-pulled chicken, there’s something for everyone!

Try one of these recipes tonight and share your favorite with us! Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to save this post for later!