How To Bake Frozen Chicken Breasts

This baked frozen chicken breast recipe will change the way you do dinner for the better. It's a lifesaver when you don't have time to go to the grocery store. No thawing, no stress—just straight from the freezer to the oven for juicy, tender chicken every single time. It’s one of my go-to tricks when I need a protein-packed dinner on the table fast, and it works perfectly with almost any side dish you have on hand.

Why I Love This Baked Frozen Chicken Breasts Recipe

We’ve all had those nights where it’s almost dinner time and the chicken is still rock-solid in the freezer. Instead of scrambling or ordering takeout, this recipe saves the day. You don’t need to thaw a thing—just place the frozen chicken in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil or a little melted butter, sprinkle on seasonings, and let the oven do the work.

What I really love is how reliable it is. The chicken always comes out moist and flavorful with very little effort. You can switch up the seasoning blends depending on what you’re in the mood for—classic garlic and herbs, smoky paprika, or even a quick sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

From there, it’s easy to slice it over salads, add to things like this Olive Garden chicken alfredo or Bear spaghetti, or cook a big batch of chicken and use the leftovers in recipes like my million dollar chicken casserole.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 Frozen Chicken breasts- frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts work best.
• 2 tablespoon Oil- olive oil or another neutral oil you have on hand.
• 2 tablespoon Seasoning- I love using Italian seasoning, but you can use anything you want.
• 2 tablespoon Butter- melted to help keep the chicken extra juicy.

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts

I can't take full credit for this delicious and easy recipe. I first got the inspiration to make it from this YouTube video I came across when I was getting ideas for new chicken recipes. I made a few small changes to it, but you can also check that video out to see the process of how to cook chicken breasts from frozen.

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease or spray a baking tray covered with aluminum foil with oil. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking tray and cover them completely with the seasonings.

Step 2: Add the Oil and Butter

Brush the chicken with oil, and then pour the melted butter evenly on top of the seasoned chicken breasts.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Put the chicken in the oven and bake it for about 45-60 minutes or until the meat is cooked through. It will have an internal temperature of 165°F when checked at the thickest part with a meat thermometer. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Frozen Chicken Recipe

• Use a thermometer, not just time: Baking times can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. This guarantees food safety and prevents overcooking.
• Bake covered for even cooking: Since the chicken starts out frozen, covering the dish with foil helps trap steam, keeping the meat moist while it cooks through evenly. Remove the foil in the last 5–10 minutes if you want a slightly golden top.
• Account for thickness: Larger, thicker chicken breasts will need closer to 55–60 minutes, while thinner ones can finish in as little as 40–45 minutes. Try to choose breasts that are about the same size so they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t skip the oil and butter combo: Brushing the chicken with oil and pouring melted butter on top keeps the meat juicy and adds rich flavor while it bakes. This step makes a big difference in both taste and texture.
• Let it rest before slicing: Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute. Slice too soon, and you’ll lose all that moisture onto the cutting board instead of in your chicken.
• Customize your seasoning mix: This recipe works with almost any flavor profile—classic garlic and herbs, smoky paprika, lemon pepper, or Italian seasoning all taste incredible. Changing up the spices is an easy way to keep this dish exciting while using the same method.

FAQS About This Frozen Chicken Breast Recipe

Is it safe to bake chicken from frozen?

Yes, it’s completely safe to bake chicken straight from the freezer as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). That’s the USDA-recommended safe temperature for poultry. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.

How do you keep baked frozen chicken breasts juicy?

The key is to cover the chicken while baking so it steams gently, then finish uncovered for flavor. Brushing with oil and butter adds fat that locks in moisture, while letting the chicken rest after baking keeps the juices from running out when sliced.

Can I season frozen chicken?

Absolutely! Seasoning sticks best when brushed with oil first, even on frozen chicken. This recipe uses both oil and melted butter to help the seasoning coat evenly, creating a flavorful crust as it bakes.

Can I baste the chicken with a sauce or marinade?

Absolutely! I find that adding it to the chicken during the last 15 minutes of baking gets the best results. Try BBQ sauce, Teriyaki sauce, dijon mustard, or sweet chili sauce for delicious takes on this recipe.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, this recipe works great with frozen chicken tenders, frozen chicken thighs, and frozen chicken drumsticks. You'll need to adjust the baking time accordingly and cook the tenders for less time and the thighs and drumsticks for more time. 

What can I serve these chicken breasts with?

I love serving these baked frozen chicken breasts with some cream cheese mashed potatoes and baguette garlic bread for a comforting meal.  The chicken is also a delicious addition to any pasta dish like my French onion pasta. For a light meal, serve it in a house salad or alongside some sliced avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes.

More Recipes 

• Frozen chicken in the crock pot
• Frozen meatballs in the crock pot
• Slow cooker frozen roast
• Frozen chicken thighs crock pot recipe
• Air fryer frozen chicken breast
• Chicken salad croissant sandwiches