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

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!

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.

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

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.

Problem solved!

I took a nap.

hahhahah!!!

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.

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.