How long to cook frozen chicken breast in slow cooker on high

If you want to cook chicken breast in a Crock-Pot on the high setting, you'll need to leave it in for 2 to 3 hours. You can cook either thawed or frozen chicken breasts in your slow cooker, but you'll want to leave frozen ones in for longer to ensure that they're cooked through. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to be sure that the meat is completely cooked: It should register 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Crockpot shredded chicken is my favorite way to make an easy lunch, dinner, or snack. This slow cooker shredded chicken can be used to make buffalo chicken dip, sliders, Chicken Casseroles, Pasta Salads or in any recipe that calls for shredded chicken! 

You can turn this recipe into shredded chicken tacos by adding in some Taco Seasoning. Or, you can serve it mound on a plate next to some beans and coleslaw for a delicious shredded bbq chicken dinner. The list of variations you can make with slow cooker shredded chicken is endless! Prep it ahead of time and freeze it for easy meals in minutes!

How long to cook frozen chicken breast in slow cooker on high

This easy Crock Pot pulled chicken is so tender and so flavorful! It’s perfect for any meal needing cooked chicken (like Chicken Parmesan Casserole or even for making homemade Chicken Salad sandwiches).

Can I Put Frozen Chicken In The Crockpot?

Official food safety experts caution against putting chicken in the slow cooker. The concern is that the slow thawing process means the chicken will linger too long in the danger zone, between –  40°F – 140°F –  when bacteria can multiply.

While I don’t recommend it, the reality is, many cooks put frozen chicken in a Crockpot by cooking the chicken on high at first until it is 165°F.

How to Defrost Chicken Quickly

I would suggest defrosting your chicken breasts (instead of cooking frozen) by placing in a sealed freezer bag. Place the bag in a sink or bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes.

Chicken breasts (that are frozen separate and not in a large clump) should be defrosted within 30 minutes or so.

How long to cook frozen chicken breast in slow cooker on high

How to Make Shredded Chicken in Crockpot

The best and fastest way to make crockpot shredded chicken is to start with boneless, thawed chicken breasts. This recipe can easily be adapted to whatever savory herbs, spices or sauces you prefer. You need a little broth to keep the chicken moist as it cooks.

To make the best crockpot shredded chicken:

  1. Layer sliced onion, chicken breasts, broth and seasonings in your crockpot.
  2. Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic.
  3. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Stir in some of the slow cooker juices if desired.

If you are planning to make shredded chicken bbq, then you can substitute some boneless chicken thighs for all or some of the breasts. Dark meat has more poultry flavor, and benefits from spicy, vinegary sauces.

How long to cook frozen chicken breast in slow cooker on high

How Long To Cook Chicken in Crockpot to Shred

To get the consistency right for shredded cooked chicken, you have to cook longer than you would if you were making cutlets, for instance. Remember that all slow cookers vary somewhat so you may need to adjust the timing to find the ‘sweet spot’ for your slow cooker.

If you are starting with four boneless chicken breasts (7oz each), set the crockpot on high for 2 1/2 hours and it will be ready to shred. This easy pulled chicken recipe can also be cooked on low for 5 hours or so.

Keep in mind, chicken breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz so its important to note the size. Larger chicken breasts may need longer while smaller chicken breasts may cook quicker. You’ll want to ensure they reach a temperature of 165°F.

More Easy Ways to Cook Chicken

  • How to Make Poached Chicken – also easy! 
  • Easy Grilled Chicken Breast – great for salads!
  • How to Make Homemade Chicken Stock – so much better homemade! 
  • How to Boil Chicken
  • Oven Baked Chicken Breasts – perfect chicken!

How long to cook frozen chicken breast in slow cooker on high

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Crockpot Shredded Chicken

Crockpot shredded chicken is my favorite way to make an easy lunch, dinner, or snack. 

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes

  • 4 chicken breast average 7 ounces each
  • ½ onion sliced ½" thick
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or to taste
  • fresh herbs a few sprigs

  • In the bottom of crock pot, layer onion, chicken breast, seasonings and herbs. Add broth.

  • Cook on high for 2 ½ - 3 hours (or on low for 5-6 hours).

  • Using 2 forks, shred chicken. Stir in some of the juices/broth.

Chicken breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz so its important to note the size. Larger chicken breasts may need longer while smaller chicken breasts may cook quicker. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F before shredding.

5 from 8 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Calories: 133 | Protein: 24g | Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 238mg | Potassium: 451mg | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Chicken, Main Course, Slow Cooker

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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How long to cook frozen chicken breast in slow cooker on high

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latest & greatest

How long does frozen chicken take to cook in slow cooker on high?

If you use frozen chicken breasts, keep the lid on the entire cooking time and cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. When the cooking time is done, drain off a majority of the chicken broth (save the broth if you are going to freeze the chicken), leave about a half cup in the slow cooker with the chicken.

Can you cook frozen chicken breast in slow cooker?

"It is safe to cook a frozen chicken in a slow cooker," Quin Patton, a food scientist formerly with PepsiCo, told TODAY. "You just need to make sure the internal temperature gets up to 165 degrees at some point during the cooking process."

Can you slow cook chicken from frozen?

Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker It is not recommended to cook frozen cuts of meat in a slow cooker as it takes a long time for the meat to reach cooking temperature. This increases the chance of food-borne illnesses. It is alway recommended to defrost meat in the fridge before cooking it in the slow cooker.