The Frozen Chicken Trick (Last Minute Meals)

 


It’s an age old story. It’s dinner time and the chicken is frozen. *sigh*

You may have had a plan. It may have involved thawed chicken. It was going to be delicious. 

But you know what? You’ve got this. Just employ (drumroll, please!) … the frozen chicken trick!!


 The Frozen Chicken Trick - Not so much of a trick, but still a good one to keep on hand when you forget to thaw the chicken for dinner!Update: The method described here IS safe according to the USDA. I have added precautions to use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. I’ve also adjusted the thawing vs. cooking times a bit for more convenience. Enjoy!


Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 160. 

Done! You’re on a roll.

Step 2: Establish the chicken. 

You could thaw via microwave or warm water in a bowl, OR you could do what I do. Put frozen chicken directly into oiled glass baking dish (rinse first). 

The packing may stick to your chicken. Do not be alarmed. Just cover with foil, shrug like it’s no big thing, and continue on with the frozen chicken trick. 

The Frozen Chicken Trick - Not so much of a trick, but still a good one to keep on hand when you forget to thaw the chicken for dinner!Step 3: Preserve chicken modesty. 

Put chicken in the oven for about 20 minutes to de-stick packaging and thaw chicken. Once packaging is removed, season or dress the chicken with sauce of your choice. (You may want to rinse them one more time. I just remove them with tongs and rinse each one before returning them to the pan. Be careful with this not to burn yourself on the pan!)

Sauces to try:

  • Curry Honey Mustard (recipe below)
  • Bottle of BBQ sauce
  • Bottle (or about three cups) of salad dressing (ranch, italian, basalmic vinegarette, etc.)
Curry Honey Mustard Chicken (SO GOOD!):
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
Mix ingredients and pour over chicken before baking. If you want to get really fancy, garnish with dry or fresh parsley. Serve with brown rice and spinach. 
 
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I squirreled away a few pieces for another meal before dressing. 
 

 

Step 4: Cook chicken. 
 
Increase heat to 375 and for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness and cook for up to 15 more minutes if needed. Use a meat thermometer to make sure inside of breasts has heated up to at least 170 degrees. Round up side dishes while you’re waiting. 
 
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This is seriously good sauce for chicken! 
 
 
Step 5: Enjoy the chicken and feel awesome about yourself. 
 
You now know the frozen chicken trick. No need to disclose that you are off your meal plan. Do not be surprised if husband gives extra compliments and you make the frozen chicken trick a regular part of NEXT week’s meal plan. 😉 
 
Yes, it is safe to cook frozen chicken by baking at this temperature for this long. Re-freezing is not recommended, however. If you have leftovers, chop it up and throw it in a salad the next day!
 
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Curry Honey Mustard Chicken
Author: 
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
 
Ingredients
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. Mix ingredients and pour over chicken before baking. If you want to get really fancy, garnish with dry or fresh parsley. Serve with brown rice and spinach.
  3. If chicken was thawed, cook 20 minutes. If frozen, add 15 minutes to the end or until internal temperature is 170 degrees.
 
 

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Made with ❤ by Stephanie, The Multi Taskin' Mom

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