Learn how to bake frozen chicken breasts in the oven with this easy 2-step recipe - ready in just 45 minutes. The perfect dinner solution for when you forget to thaw the chicken.
Can I bake frozen chicken breasts? Probably the question you've asked yourself today. The short answer is YES! You can cook chicken breast from frozen. There is no need to remember to take it out of the freezer in time, and there is no need for any gadgets.
Ingredients: 3 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Season ( 5 minutes) and bake the chicken directly from frozen (45 minutes). The results are delicious: tender, juicy, flavorful meat ready in no time and perfect for serving as a main dish to make sandwiches or salads.
You can also make Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Legs, or learn How to Boil Frozen Chicken Breast. If you have some thighs in the freezer, make some Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Thighs, or learn How to Cook Frozen Thighs in the oven.
Featured comment
Gail V: I frequently make this for myself with one frozen breast and fill the rest of the pan with thickish slices of sweet potatoes/yams.
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Recipe ingredients
Frozen boneless chicken breasts. Four pieces for four portions, but actually as many as you like; make sure you use a large baking dish so that the pieces can fit in a single layer. Learn How to Cook Frozen Wings.
Oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil.
Seasoning: I usually use my favorite chicken seasoning; it's fast and convenient. However, you can use any spices or spice mixtures you like, and if all you have are salt and black pepper, that's fine.
- Check out Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks for more seasoning ideas. Or you can use this Dry Rub for Chicken Wings.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to bake frozen chicken breast?
Preparations: Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish or baking sheet with oil.
Step #1: Mix the oil and spices, rub over the chicken, and place in a single layer in the prepared dish.
Step #2: Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the food is cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes.
At what temperature should I bake frozen chicken?
I usually use medium heat, which is 375ยฐF / 180ยฐC. I would not use a lower temperature.
You can also bake the breasts at a higher temperature - 400ยฐF/ 200ยฐC; in this case, the portions will need less time; you should reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
How long to bake frozen chicken breast in the oven?
The rule of thumb is about 50% longer than you would bake thawed pieces. However, the exact cooking time depends on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your oven.
If you follow a recipe and want to use frozen chicken breast, do the math and add about 50% extra time to the original instructions.
Here is a small chart to help you along the way.
- Small (4-6 oz/ 110-170 g): 30-40 minutes
- Medium (about 8 oz/ 225 g): 35-45 minutes
- Larger than that: 45-55 minutes.
Always check that the food is cooked, but try not to overcook it, or the meat pieces will dry.
How to check if the chicken is done?
The safest and easiest way is to use an instant-read thermometer; the safe internal temperature should be 165ยฐF/ 74ยฐ C. If you don't have one, pierce a piece of meat at its thickest; the juices should run clear.
Or make a small cut into the thickest part of the breast; the flesh should be perfectly white; no pink (or red) is allowed.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, it's fast and juicy. Follow this recipe: Frozen Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer.
No, you should never do that. It takes too long for the meat to reach cooking temperature, increasing the risk of food poisoning.
Sure! Use your favorite sauce, but only add it during the last 15 minutes of baking so that it doesn't burn. Try BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, sweet chili, or chili sauce.
Storage
Refrigerate the leftovers for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat or serve cold. Use the leftovers to make sandwiches, chicken salad, Red Sauce Enchiladas, burritos, and so on. Try our Romanian Beouf Salad or Grilled Peach Salad.
Freezing thawed and cooked meat is not ideal, but it works. Freeze the fully cooked meat portions once they are completely cool. Place them in airtight containers; they will be fine for about 3 months.
NEVER refreeze thawed yet uncooked food again.
What to serve with chicken breast?
Serve on top of a salad with Yogurt Dressing or Raspberry Vinaigrette.
Do you like this recipe?
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How to Bake Frozen Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 frozen chicken breasts boneless, skinless, each one about 8 oz/ 225 g
- 2 tablespoons oil olive or vegetable oil + a bit extra for greasing the dish
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning Note 1
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF/ 180ยฐC and lightly grease or spray a baking dish with oil.
- Season: Mix the oil and spices in a small bowl. Brush the chicken breasts all over with the mixture. Place them in the prepared baking dish.2 tablespoons oil + 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning + 4 frozen chicken breasts
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until cooked through; the internal temperature should be 165ยฐF/ 74ยฐC (Notes 2,3).
- Rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Seasoning: Use your favorite ready-made chicken seasoning, spices, or spice mixtures. You can also use this Dry Rub for Wings, too.
- The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces and the oven.ย
- Small (4-6 oz/ 110-170 g): 30-40 minutes
- Medium (about 8 oz/ 225 g): 35-45 minutes
- Larger than that: 45-55 minutes.
Theresa says
Thank you for a very simple recipe using my frozen chicken breasts!
Gail V says
I frequently make this for myself with one frozen breast and fill the rest of the pan with thickish slices of sweet potatoes/yams.
Christine says
Did you make your own chicken seasoning or did you buy it ?
Adina says
Hi. In this case (when I took the pictures), I used a bought seasoning mixture so that people can see that they can use anything they like. It really doesn't matter what it is, use whatever you enjoy, either bought or homemade. Salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika or oregano work great too.
S new says
Do you need to cover the chicken as it bakes?
Adina says
No.
Lisa says
I'm gonna try that recipe but my question is still not answered it's on the same idea but my med sized chix breast is skinless and boneless and frozen do I do it the same way as this recipe? Need a quick answer if possible
Adina says
Hi Lisa. This recipe is for boneless skinless chicken breast.