Written by Mallorie Jane

Sometimes, everything goes according to plan: you’ve prepped your meals, chilled the wine, and prepared dinner on time. But other times, life happens. It’s 7 pm, you’re tired from a long day, and you realize you forgot to defrost dinner. 

If your first thought is to call for takeout because your chicken is still frozen, don’t worry. Many people think that directly cooking frozen meat doesn’t work or tastes terrible, but that’s not true.

You can cook beef, chicken, and pork from frozen and get juicy, tender, and delicious results. Cooking meat directly from the freezer is not only possible but also safe and convenient. With the proper techniques, you’ll enjoy tasty and evenly cooked meals without the need to thaw your meat first.

Chicken

Cooking frozen chicken breasts or a whole chicken can be challenging, but it’s doable with the proper methods. Avoid grilling or sautéing frozen chicken, as this can lead to uneven cooking and potential health risks from harmful bacteria. Instead, baking or simmering frozen chicken in sauce works best. Here’s how:

Oven Cooking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen chicken on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs, and cover with foil. Bake for about twice as long as thawed chicken; if thawed takes 20 minutes, cook frozen for 40 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Stovetop Cooking (Simmering in Sauce)

Heat a large pot with a bit of oil over medium heat. Set the frozen chicken on both sides to lock in flavor if desired. Add enough sauce, broth, or water to cover the chicken and bring the liquid to a simmer. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which may take 45 minutes to an hour. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked and safe.

Slow Cooker

Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker and add seasonings and enough liquid (such as broth, water, or a marinade) to cover it. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Before serving, ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to confirm it is safely cooked.

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Place the frozen chicken in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water, broth, or sauce. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally or perform a quick release, depending on your preference and the recipe’s requirements. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Beef

Cooking frozen beef requires careful attention to ensure it cooks evenly and thoroughly. Different cuts will have varying cooking times and methods. It’s essential to ensure the beef reaches the appropriate internal temperature to be safe for consumption. 

For most cuts of beef, a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is recommended for medium-rare. Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the meat.

Oven Cooking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen beef on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, season with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, or your favorite spices, and cover with foil. Bake for about 50% longer than thawed beef (e.g., if thawed beef takes 1 hour, cook frozen for 1.5 hours). A meat thermometer ensures the medium-rare internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Adjust cooking time for thicker cuts.

Stovetop Cooking

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Sear the frozen beef on all sides to develop a crust. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook the beef, turning occasionally, until it reaches your desired doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. Check the temperature regularly to ensure that it is even cooking.

Slow Cooker

Place the frozen beef in the slow cooker and season with your spices. Add enough liquid (broth, water, or wine) to cover the bottom of the cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-7 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb flavors. Before serving, ensure the internal temperature of the beef is at least 145°F (63°C).

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Place the frozen beef in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of broth or water. Seal and cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) before serving.

 

 

 

Pork

Like other meats, pork can be cooked safely from frozen until it reaches the correct internal temperature. Ensuring even cooking is essential to avoid undercooked pork parts, which can pose health risks. The recommended safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C).

Oven Cooking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen pork on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, season with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, or your favourite spices, and cover with foil. Bake twice as long as thawed pork (e.g., 60 minutes for pork chops that usually take 30 minutes). A meat thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Stovetop Cooking

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil. Sear the frozen pork on all sides to develop a crust. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook the pork, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Check the temperature regularly to ensure that it is even cooking.

Grilling

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Season the frozen pork as desired, then place it on the grill. Cook twice as long as you would if the pork were thawed, turning it frequently to ensure even cooking. A meat thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Slow Cooker

Place the frozen pork in the slow cooker, season with spices, and add enough liquid (broth, water, or apple cider) to cover the bottom. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-7 hours until tender. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) before serving.

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Place the frozen pork in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of broth, water, or a flavorful cooking liquid. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, depending on the cut and size of the pork. Allow the pressure to release naturally to keep the meat tender. Ensure the internal temperature is at least 145°F (63°C) before serving.

Final Words

Whether you’re preparing chicken, beef, or pork, using the proper techniques ensures delicious and evenly cooked meals every time. Next time you forget to defrost dinner, don’t stress—just follow these simple methods and enjoy a tasty meal without the wait.