5 Best Frozen Chicken Crock Pot Recipes (easy recipes )

Have you ever had one of those mornings when you realize you forgot to thaw the chicken for dinner?

Been there, done that—more times than I care to admit! After 15 years of teaching middle school science (and feeding my always-hungry family), I’ve learned that frozen chicken crock pot recipes are absolute lifesavers on hectic days.

Using frozen chicken in your slow cooker can be a true game-changer. I can’t stress enough how these recipes have saved me countless times, especially on those hectic days that seem to slip away from me! As a busy teacher and mom, I’ve compiled my top five frozen chicken crockpot recipes that have repeatedly rescued dinnertime in my household.

Can You Put Frozen Chicken in a Crock Pot?

Before diving into these delicious recipes, let’s address the elephant in the room: Is it safe to put frozen chicken in a slow cooker?

The short answer is yes—but with some important caveats:

• Cook on LOW for at least 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F) throughout.
• Don’t overload your slow cooker with too many frozen pieces stacked on top of each other.
• Use a food thermometer to verify the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

I learned this the hard way when I once tried to rush cooking frozen chicken thighs on HIGH for just 2 hours. Let’s just say my family ended up ordering pizza that night! Take it from me—following the proper cooking times is non-negotiable for both safety and taste.

Now, let’s get to those awesome recipes that have made my life SO much easier!

Recipe 1: Creamy Ranch Frozen Chicken

This is hands-down my family’s favorite frozen chicken crock pot recipe. My 13-year-old son, who typically turns his nose up at anything that isn’t pizza or tacos, actually asks for this dish!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder if you’re in a rush)
• 1 tsp dried dill (optional, but adds amazing flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, and dill over the chicken.
3. Add diced onion and garlic around the chicken pieces.
4. Pour chicken broth over everything.
5. Place the cream cheese block on top (don’t worry about cutting it up—it’ll melt perfectly).
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken using two forks and stir everything together.

This creamy ranch chicken is amazing served over rice, pasta, or (my fave) mashed potatoes. My daughter loves it with steamed broccoli on the side—the sauce is so good that even veggie-resistant kids might eat their greens!

Pro tip: This recipe freezes beautifully for a future meal. I often make a double batch and freeze half for those REALLY crazy weeks.

Recipe 2: Salsa Verde Frozen Chicken Tacos

When Taco Tuesday rolls around but I forgot to prep, this recipe has my back! It’s ridiculously easy but packs such a flavor punch that you’d never guess it started with frozen chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen chicken thighs or breasts (thighs have more flavor!)
• 1 (16 oz) jar salsa verde
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Mix all other ingredients in a bowl, then pour over the chicken.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce.
5. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings!

I like to set up a little taco bar with all the fixings—avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges. It makes dinner fun, and everyone can customize their tacos exactly how they like them.

The first time I made this, I accidentally grabbed a jar of EXTRA HOT salsa verde. Let’s just say my husband loved it, but I was chugging milk between bites! Now I double-check the label or make my own simple salsa verde when I have time.

Recipe 3: Honey Garlic Frozen Chicken

This recipe hits that perfect sweet-savory balance that makes everyone happy. Plus, it feels a little fancy even though it takes practically zero effort!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium works great)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening at the end)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Whisk together all remaining ingredients (except cornstarch mixture and garnishes) in a bowl.
3. Pour sauce over chicken.
4. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
5. Remove chicken and slice or shred, depending on your preference.
6. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce in the slow cooker.
7. Return chicken to the pot, turn to HIGH, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
8. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

I swear this tastes just like takeout, but I know exactly what’s going into it! My kids love helping whisk the sauce together in the morning before school—though I’ve had to learn to keep a close eye on the honey measuring, or we end up with very sticky countertops!

Meal prep tip: Steam some broccoli or snap peas while the sauce is thickening at the end, and you’ve got a complete meal with minimal effort.

Recipe 4: Mediterranean Frozen Chicken

When I’m craving something a little different, this Mediterranean-inspired dish hits the spot. It’s loaded with veggies and has such bright, fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add all ingredients except feta cheese and fresh herbs.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Shred or slice the chicken and return it to the slow cooker to absorb the flavors.
5. Serve topped with crumbled feta and fresh herbs.

This is amazing on its own, over rice, or stuffed into pita bread with some tzatziki sauce. I’ve even used leftovers in a wrap for lunch the next day—so good!

I remember once making this for a potluck at school, and one of my fellow teachers (who had lived in Greece) asked for the recipe. Talk about a confidence boost!

Recipe 5: Buffalo Ranch Frozen Chicken

For the spice lovers in your life, this buffalo ranch chicken is a must-try. My husband could eat this weekly and never get tired of it.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Optional toppings: blue cheese crumbles, sliced green onions, extra buffalo sauce

Instructions:

1. Place frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Mix buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and spices in a bowl.
3. Pour over the chicken, then place butter on top.
4. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
5. Shred chicken and mix it with the sauce.
6. Serve with desired toppings.

This chicken is super versatile! We love it on sandwiches, in wraps, on pizza, stuffed in baked potatoes, or even as a dip with tortilla chips when shredded fine.

The first time I made this, I thought I was being clever doubling the buffalo sauce for extra flavor… BIG mistake! My eyes were watering just from the steam when I opened the lid. Now I stick to the recipe proportions, and it’s perfect every time.

Why These Frozen Chicken Crock Pot Recipes Work So Well

There’s a reason why these recipes have become my go-to solutions for busy days:

1. They’re truly “dump and go” – Minimal morning prep when you’re already rushing around.
2. They’re forgiving – Unlike stovetop cooking, slow cookers are incredibly forgiving with timing.
3. They transform throughout the day – Something magical happens when flavors meld together for hours.
4. They feel like self-care – Walking into your home after a long day to the smell of dinner ready to go is seriously the BEST feeling.
5. They’re budget-friendly – You can often use cheaper cuts of chicken since the slow cooking makes everything tender.

Common Questions About Cooking Frozen Chicken in a Crock Pot

Over the years, I’ve heard all kinds of questions about using frozen chicken in slow cookers. Here are the most common ones:

Is it safe to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes! The USDA confirms it’s safe as long as you cook it long enough to reach 165°F throughout. Just make sure to use the cooking times I’ve suggested.

Won’t the chicken be dry if it cooks that long?

Cooking chicken in liquid in a slow cooker usually results in super moist meat. The low, slow heat and moisture create a perfect environment for tender chicken.

Can I mix frozen and thawed chicken?

I wouldn’t recommend it. They’ll cook at different rates, which can lead to some pieces being overcooked while others might not reach a safe temperature.

What if my chicken is still frozen in one big block?

Try to separate the pieces before adding them to the slow cooker. If they’re completely stuck together, you might want to microwave them just enough to separate (not to cook) them before proceeding with the recipe.

Tips for Crock Pot Success with Frozen Chicken

After years of trial and error (and yes, some memorable kitchen fails), here are my top tips:

1. Don’t peek! Every time you lift the lid, you lose heat and add about 20 minutes to the cooking time.
2. Add dairy at the end. Milk, cream, and some soft cheeses can separate if cooked too long. Add them in the last 30 minutes when possible.
3. Layer wisely. Put ingredients that take longer to cook (like frozen chicken) on the bottom, closer to the heat source.
4. Get to know YOUR slow cooker. Some run hotter than others. Mine has a hot spot in the back right corner, so I always position my chicken accordingly.
5. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. This is especially helpful when you’re making saucy recipes like the ones above.
6. Invest in a programmable slow cooker. Being able to set it to switch to “warm” after the cooking time is so helpful if you’re running late.
7. Don’t overcrowd. Your slow cooker should be about 1/2 to 2/3 full for optimal cooking.
8. Keep fresh elements fresh. Add herbs, citrus zest, or other bright flavors in the last 30 minutes to keep them tasting fresh.

More chicken recipes.

• Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
• How to Make Spicy Chicken Tenders
• Chick-fil-A grilled chicken recipe
• Smoked chicken thighs
• Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

Final Thoughts

I hope these frozen chicken crock pot recipes make your life a little easier, just as they’ve done for me. There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning frozen chicken into a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Remember that first time I tried the creamy ranch chicken? My son had three helpings and asked if we could have it again the next night. For a middle school teacher who spends all day helping tweens understand science concepts, coming home to make a dinner that everyone enjoys feels like winning the lottery!

So, next time you forget to thaw the chicken (which, let’s be real, happens to the best of us), don’t stress or resort to takeout. Reach for your slow cooker and one of these recipes instead. Your future self will thank you when you walk through the door after a long day to the amazing aroma of dinner ready to serve.

What’s your favorite frozen chicken crock pot recipe? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!