How to Make Frozen Chicken in the Crock Pot (No Thaw Needed)

If you've been wondering how to cook frozen chicken in a crock pot, this recipe is for you. With a handful of ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can make perfectly cooked chicken every time! It's extra tender, juicy, and packed with flavor thanks to my simple seasoning blend. 

Why I Love This Crock Pot Frozen Chicken Recipe

With two little ones at home, I’m always looking for dinner shortcuts that actually work—and this crock pot frozen chicken breast recipe has become a weekly lifesaver. It’s perfect for nights when you forgot to thaw the chicken (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot), and you still want something juicy, tender, and ready with almost no effort.

Just like my recipes for frozen chicken thighs in the crock pot, frozen turkey breast, and crockpot frozen meatballs, this method proves that you don’t need fresh meat—or even a lot of ingredients—to pull off a great meal. Once you try this technique, I think it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight time-savers too.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need:

• 2 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp. butter thinly sliced
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. poultry seasoning
• ¼ tsp. black pepper

For a different flavor, you can use the ingredients from my crock pot Buffalo chicken recipe. By the way, if you're looking for recipes to make with your shredded chicken, check out these BBQ chicken sliders and this chicken hashbrown casserole.

How To Make Frozen Chicken In The Crock Pot

Step 1: Prep Work

Place the frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot with butter, salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning.

Step 2: Cook The Frozen Chicken

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high heat for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Serve

When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred the chicken with two forks. Serve as desired, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken In The Crock Pot

• Get creative with seasonings: While poultry seasoning works great, don’t be afraid to switch it up. Try garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a dash of cayenne and red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also use ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, or lemon pepper, depending on how you plan to use the chicken.
• Try other cuts of chicken: This recipe works just as well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even bone-in breasts. Just note that cooking time may increase slightly for bone-in cuts.
• Don’t skip the internal temperature check: The chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Always check the thickest part of the breast with a meat thermometer, especially when cooking from frozen.
• Add moisture if needed: Frozen chicken naturally releases water as it cooks, but if you’re using leaner cuts or want a saucier finish, add ½ cup of broth, salsa, BBQ sauce, or Italian dressing to the crock pot before cooking.
• Shred it for easy meal prep: After cooking, shred the chicken right in the crock pot and mix it with the juices. It’s perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more—and stores beautifully for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Avoid overcooking: Even in a slow cooker, chicken can dry out if it cooks too long. Stick to the recommended time range (about 4–6 hours on low) and use a thermometer for best results.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Chicken

Looking for the perfect side dishes to round out your slow cooker chicken dinner? Here are some of my favorite options, whether you're going for comfort food or something lighter:

• Potatoes: For a hearty meal, serve the chicken with these cheesy mashed potatoes or these pan fried potatoes.
• Salad: For a lighter meal, serve it with this southwest salad or La scala chopped salad.
• Vegetables: For a healthy meal, serve it with roasted vegetables, these crack green beans, or Chipotle fajita veggies.
• Rice: Make rice bowls with this turmeric rice or Chipotle cilantro lime rice.

FAQS About This Crock Pot Frozen Chicken Recipe

Can you put frozen chicken in the crock pot?

Yes, you can safely cook frozen chicken in the crock pot. It’s a convenient, hands-off method that results in tender, juicy chicken—no thawing required.

Do you need to thaw frozen chicken before slow cooking?

No, you do not need to thaw frozen chicken before cooking. You'll just want to make sure that you cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How long does frozen chicken take to cook in the crock pot?

Cook on high for 4–6 hours or on low for 6–8 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Always check with a meat thermometer before serving.

Can I cook frozen chicken and rice together in the crock pot?

Cook the frozen chicken in the crock pot as described above. Add the rice and about a cup or two of water or chicken broth to cover the rice. Cook for an additional half hour to an hour, or until the rice is tender. 

What’s the fastest way to thaw frozen chicken?

The fastest way to defrost frozen chicken is to transfer it to a Ziplock bag, if it isn't already in one. Submerge it in a bowl of cold water and change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is defrosted.

How should I store leftover crock pot chicken?

Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

My Final Thoughts

I make frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot at least once a week—it’s just that easy and reliable. This method has saved me countless times on busy weeknights, and I have a feeling it’ll become your go-to, too. It’s hands-down my favorite way to cook frozen chicken when I’m short on time, though my baked frozen chicken breast recipe is another great option if you prefer oven-roasted flavor.

More Crock Pot Recipes

• Crock Pot chicken wings
• Crock Pot taco casserole
• Crock Pot chicken casserole
• Crock Pot cheesy potatoes
• Crock Pot salsa chicken
• Crock Pot Olive Garden chicken pasta
• Crock Pot Buffalo chicken dip