How to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs- Where Is My Spoon

Name: How to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon sweet paprika; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (sweet or hot to taste (Note 1))

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Learn how to cook frozen chicken thighs in the oven. It's safe, easy, and delicious - and it will save you a lot of time.

chicken thighs baked from frozen on a baking sheet.

Can you cook frozen chicken thighs?

Yes! According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), you can cook chicken from frozen. Whether it’s whole chicken, thighs, or breast, you can cook frozen chicken in the oven or on the stove by following a few simple guidelines to ensure it’s safely cooked.

We’ve already covered boiling frozen chicken breasts, cooking frozen chicken breast in the air fryer, and making instant pot frozen chicken thighs. Now it’s time to learn how to bake frozen chicken thighs in the oven. It’s really easy! About one hour of preparation and cooking time will give you perfectly tender, juicy legs with crispy skin.

Why cook chicken from frozen?

You might have forgotten to defrost on time, don’t have time to go to the store, or spontaneously decided to have chicken for dinner. Having frozen thighs or breasts in the freezer is always a good idea - it has saved dinner time on many occasions.

Cooking from frozen saves the long thawing time. Meat must be defrosted slowly and properly in the fridge, which can take hours.

Freezing poultry slows down the reproduction of Salmonella, though it doesn’t destroy it. Improper thawing allows bacteria to grow quickly, so cooking from frozen and ensuring it reaches a safe temperature reduces the risk of food poisoning. Plus, transferring chicken from the freezer directly to a baking tray prevents drips or cross-contamination.

Rules for cooking frozen chicken

Allow about 50% additional cooking time compared to fresh meat. This rule makes cooking frozen chicken easy - no matter the cut or recipe, increase your baking time by about half.

Oven temperature: I prefer cooking thighs at a slightly lower temperature than usual. This helps them thaw and cook through inside before the outside gets too brown.

Avoid baking clumps of frozen meat. Pieces should be individually frozen so you can place them in a single layer on the baking tray.

Use an instant-thermometer - it’s reliable and makes cooking meat much easier. While you can sometimes skip it, I highly recommend using one when cooking frozen chicken. It’s the best way to ensure the meat is safely cooked without drying it out.

What do you need?

one bowl of oil and spice mixture and frozen chicken thighs in another bowl.

You’ll need frozen chicken thighs, some spices like salt, pepper, sweet and smoked paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil (or soft butter for rubbing).

Feel free to use your favorite spice blends - the sky’s the limit! My go-to combo is salt, pepper, sweet and smoked paprika, and garlic powder. For more spice ideas, check out Baked Chicken Drumsticks.

How to bake frozen chicken thighs?

Preparations: Preheat your oven. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil - this is optional but makes cleanup easier. Let the chicken stand on the counter while the oven preheats.

frozen and seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Step #1: Mix oil and spices. Place the raw chicken pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer. Rub them well to coat all sides.

baked thighs cooked from frozen in a pool of juices on a baking tray.

Step #2: Bake for 50-60 minutes, depending on piece size and your oven. Check!

How to check that the meat is cooked through?

Check that the meat is cooked through — no pink or red near the bone allowed! Even if the outside is golden brown, the inside might still be undercooked.

The best method is an instant-read thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab). If you don’t have one, cut the largest piece near the bone and check that the meat is completely white. If not, bake for 5 more minutes and check again.

FAQs

Can I bake other parts?

Yes! You can cook drumsticks, quarters, or breasts using the same method. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How long to cook boneless thighs or breasts?

Increase cooking time by 50% compared to fresh meat. Boneless pieces cook faster than bone-in.

Can I cook at 425°F (220°C)?

Yes, but reduce cooking time and check often. Frozen chicken cooks about 1.5 times longer than fresh meat at this temperature. I prefer lower temps for even cooking.

Can I cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker?

No, USDA advises against this. Slow cookers don’t reach high enough temperatures to cook frozen chicken safely.

Leftovers

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the preheated oven (325°F/ 160°C) until the internal temp reaches 165°F/ 74°C. In the microwave, cover and reheat in 2-3 minute intervals until hot throughout.

Leftover bones: Don’t throw them away! Use bones to make homemade chicken broth or stock, soups, sauces, and gravies. I use them to make Semolina Dumpling Soup.

one chicken thigh baked from frozen and sprinkled with parsley.

What to serve with the thighs?

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