Can you boil frozen chicken for soup, or to make shredded for dinner? Yes! We will share boiled frozen chicken breasts, thighs, legs wings and more. Then you will understand how to cook frozen meat to tender fall off the bone deliciousness.
Frozen chicken boiled is easier than you think, and may save dinner if you were forgetful and didn’t thaw your meat the night before. I have shared several ways of how to cook frozen chicken here on the blog but this one is specific to submerging it into a pot of boiling water. (affiliate links present)
If you do not have access to a stove you can use a pressure cooker to do the same thing!! That is right, no need to wait for water to boil but it essentially will do the same thing with some liquid in your pot and the meat itself. You can find easy instructions on how to boil frozen chicken in Instant Pot here. That one focuses on breasts but I have others to cover all the basis here such as;
You can use your high pressure machine to cook frozen chicken thighs, or read about how to cook frozen drumsticks this way as wel. Always a kid favorite. Those are the main three pieces off the bird that you’d want to cook. Yes you can boil wings too but let’s be honest, those NEED to be as crispy as possible and you ain’t going to get that submerged in hot water.
Frozen chicken breast – no need to thaw them, just chuck them in! Chicken broth – this creates a flavorful base for your soup. Low sodium is ok to use as well. Carrots and celery – because you need a pop of color and more nutrition.
Boiling a Frozen Chicken
Boneless skinless boiled frozen chicken breasts are really the way to go no matter what you are making. There is no bone to deal with, cut around, or need to take longer if it is removed before you ever add them. Yes they are more expensive but worth it if you ask me. With that said let’s talk what is the best type of chicken to buy?
I have a strong opinion as far as this question goes. We cook a lot of poultry and will say that the texture of organic, free range chickens are by far the best!
They are smaller in size but have less fat on the bird so overall you basically get the same amount of meat in a smaller package, remember that. WAY more tender than if they are cooped up in a coop.
Do You Boil Frozen Chicken in Cold Water
Cold or room temperature is what you are going to start with yes. Since they are starting off rock hard you want a slow transition to occur when cooking these. SO to do this you will want to put however many you want to cook inside your large pot. Cover them with water so they are submerged completely and then put your pot on the stove.
Set to medium high heat so it can start boiling. I add salt in there too, just a pinch unless I am making soup then I will add much more as seen below. Keep in mind that it will take some time for the water to heat up enough to start to bubble. You want it to get to a consistent boil where it isn’t bubbling over but doesn’t stop bubbling either.
From that point you will start your timer. Check at the minimum timing listed below to check the temp., adjust for a few more minutes if need be.
@henrybottjer asked: “What is the best way to store and freeze soup for later use?”
FAQ
Can I cook frozen chicken without thawing if making soup?
Is it OK to make soup with frozen chicken?
Is it OK to boil frozen chicken for soup?
How do you defrost chicken for soup?
Can I use frozen chicken in soup?
When using frozen chicken in soup, it’s important to ensure that it is properly defrosted and cooked to a safe internal temperature. Be sure to follow your recipe and use a food thermometer to check for doneness. Home » Learn »
Can one refreeze homemade chicken broth?
It is not indicated. After thawing once, the chances of contamination are greater, and therefore the best option is to freeze in small portions, such as ice cubes, and thaw only what is going to be used.
Should you portion chicken soup before freezing?
Dividing your chicken soup into individual or family-sized portions before freezing is a practical step that offers several benefits. Portioning allows for easier thawing and reheating later on, providing flexibility and convenience when you’re ready to enjoy the soup. Here’s why portioning is important:
Can You refreeze chicken soup?
It is generally safe to refreeze chicken soup if it has been handled and stored properly. However, it is recommended to only refreeze the soup once. Each time you freeze and thaw the soup, its quality may deteriorate further. To maintain optimal taste and texture, it is best to consume the soup after the initial thawing and reheating.