Can I put 1/2 frozen chicken into crock pot?

[sherifffruitfly]

Hi all,

I'm gonna slowcook me some chicken cacciatore, and don't feel like waiting for the chicken to finish thawing. Can I safely toss it (and all the other ingreds) in the cooker and let 'er rip for 7 hours?

Or does it truly need to be fully thawed before going in the cooker?

Thanks!

[Nils Hoyum]

If it is a big block of solid chicken. I wouldn't do it. If the pieces are pretty small, than go for it. But it would be best if the chicken were thawed.

[Katie H]

How about thawing the chicken in the microwave? Our microwave has a special "custom" thaw feature that does a perfect job.

[Dove]

or thaw it in cold water..

[Alix]

I don't think its safe to do that. I would either microwave or par boil the chicken before I put it in the crockpot. Good luck!

[mcnerd]

I do an entire chicken straight from the freezer (make sure no loose stuff inside). Also great for Cornish Game Hens because I always forget to defrost them in advance. The slow cooker seems to bring it up to temperature fast enough to defrost and cook without any problems.

[sherifffruitfly]

Originally Posted by Alix

I don't think its safe to do that. I would either microwave or par boil the chicken before I put it in the crockpot. Good luck!

Problem solved!

I took a nap.

hahhahah!!!

[Alix]

LMAO! Good solution!

[Michael in FtW]

LOL - a lot depends on your slow cooker! Some will say you can use frozen chicken (if you use the high setting) - some say no way José. Read the instructions that came with your cooker - they will tell you what is safe, and how to do it if possible, in your particular "pot". If your instructions specify only using "thawed" chicken - then no, it would not be safe.

[Callisto in NC]

Originally Posted by mcnerd

I do an entire chicken straight from the freezer (make sure no loose stuff inside). Also great for Cornish Game Hens because I always forget to defrost them in advance. The slow cooker seems to bring it up to temperature fast enough to defrost and cook without any problems.

That's what I do all the time. I recently read that it is perfectly acceptable to put frozen chicken in the crockpot and allow it to defrost there. I've never had a problem so I say go for it.