It’s the end of a long day and you’re in the mood for some grilled chicken, but then you realize that the chicken is still frozen solid.
What are your best options? Can you grill frozen chicken at all, or will it turn out dry and rubbery?
In this blog article, you will learn whether you can grill frozen chicken. We’ll explore five methods of thawing frozen chicken safely so that you can get dinner on the table without having to run to the grocery store.
We’ll also discuss food safety concerns such as meat danger zone and food poisoning, so that you can cook your chicken with confidence.
Can You Grill Frozen Chicken?
It is possible to grill frozen chicken directly without defrosting it. Besides the chicken will likely be dry and the texture will be rubbery, it’s not recommended to grill frozen chicken as there are some health risks involved. Eating undercooked poultry can lead to food poisoning called salmonella and other illnesses.
It’s important to thaw whole chicken properly before grilling it, so that you can ensure that it is cooked all the way through. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends thawing chicken in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
5 Best Methods for Thawing or Defrosting Frozen Chicken
Refrigerator Thawing
Refrigerator thawing is the safest and most recommended way to thaw chicken. Place the frozen chicken in a container or bag on the bottom shelf of the fridge so that it will thaw slowly. This thawing process can take about 24 hours, depending on the size of the frozen chicken.
Countertop Thawing
Countertop thawing is the next safest thawing method. Wrap the frozen chicken tightly and place it in a bowl or on a plate with paper towel underneath. On average, this will take about two hours per pound of chicken or 6 hours for a typical 3 pound of chicken meat. Never allow the chicken to expose directly to room temperature due to the risk of bacterial infection.
Cold Water Thawing
Cold water thawing can also be used if you’re in a hurry. Place the frozen chicken in a waterproof bag and submerge it in a large bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. This method usually thaws chicken within two hours if this method is used correctly.
Defrosting Tray Thawing
Defrosting tray thawing method is one of the most popular thawing methods for frozen chicken. It’s a good idea to invest in the defrosting tray if you don’t have one. The frozen chicken is placed on a metal tray which drains the cold from the meat naturally without any external source. It has an attached container to collect the juices as the frozen chicken thaws. This thawing method usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Microwave Thawing
Microwave thawing is the fastest way but least safe way to thaw frozen chicken. Place the frozen chicken in a microwave-safe container and defrost on low power, stirring occasionally. It’s recommended to use the defrost setting for poultry, which will usually take about four minutes per pound. Rotate the chicken pieces to ensure that the thinner pieces aren’t cooking through as the meat thaws. Remove the chicken from the microwave after thawing. Season the chicken as desired, and begin the grilling process.
Do not thaw unwrapped chicken by leaving it out on the counter or in hot water, or warm water. Both of these methods can allow bacteria to grow, which can cause food poisoning.
Cook the chicken immediately after thawing. The best way to grill chicken is over medium-high heat. Do not refreeze thawed chicken. It is important to note that any of these methods can produce food poisoning if not done safely.
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, clean all surfaces and utensils used, and cook the chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant-read thermometer. By following these thawing and cooking instructions, you can grill the chicken with confidence and enjoy a delicious meal.
Guidelines to Cook Frozen Chicken on the Grill
If you don’t have enough time for defrosting and need to grill the frozen chicken directly, make sure you strictly follow the general guidelines.
Increase your total cooking time by 50%. If it normally takes an hour, increase the grilling time to about one and half hours at your outdoor grills.
Use indirect heat to pre-thaw the frozen chicken, before finishing the grilling process over direct heat. This will help to minimize the possibility that the insides of chicken are still frozen after the grilling process.
Other cooking methods such as smoking and roasting are not recommended for frozen chicken. Avoid cooking the frozen meat in a slow cooker with low temperature to avoid the chicken from being in the danger zone for too long. Besides grills, you can also cook frozen chicken on a stove top.
Grill chicken over medium heat to high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the meat. It helps to have the chicken in pieces rather than a whole piece. It’s also imperative to avoid the chicken meat to be in the “danger zone” of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This danger zone is the temperature range at which dangerous bacteria are most likely to grow.
By following these safety precautions, you can grill frozen chicken with minimized risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you grill frozen boneless chicken breast?
If you’re cooking boneless chicken breasts, distant the flames from the chicken thinner ends. The recommended cooking time for frozen, boneless chicken breasts is about 30 to 45 minutes at a medium-high temperature, depending on the size of the chicken breast.
Make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat with a food thermometer to ensure that it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to avoid the “danger zone” by thawing and cooking the chicken safely. You can also grill frozen chicken thighs, which will take about 45 to 60 minutes. Again, make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat with a food thermometer to ensure that it is cooked to a safe temperature.
Should you rub olive oil on chicken?
The olive oil helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill and also adds a delicious flavor. You can either brush it on or use a spray bottle.
Some people like to add spices or marinades to their chicken before grilling, while others prefer to season it after cooking. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to find what you like best. There are endless possibilities.
How long does it take to cook frozen chicken wings on a grill?
It takes about 90 minutes to cook frozen chicken wings on a grill. Make sure the heat is at medium-high so that they can get crispy and delicious. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Grill them until they are nice and golden brown for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
Can you grill frozen chicken? The answer is yes, but it’s not recommended. You can thaw frozen chicken in the fridge, at the kitchen counter (wrap the chicken tightly), in cold water, using a defrosting tray, or in the microwave before grilling. We hope you enjoyed this article on grilling frozen chicken.
