How to Cook Frozen Chicken in a Pan

three cooked and sliced chicken breasts in a shallow bowl

Servings: 4

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 25

Dinner rescued! Learn how to cook frozen chicken breasts in a pan without drying them out.

5 from 18 votes

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 pounds frozen chicken breasts (3-4 pieces)
2 teaspoons seasoning*
Salt & pepper

Instructions

Prep

Separate the frozen chicken breasts from each other and remove them from the zip bag. Run the bag under cold running water if necessary to help you separate them.

Cook

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, heat the oil and spread it around the pan. Place the frozen chicken breasts on the pan, making sure they are at least 2 inches between each piece and the pan isn't too crowded. This leads to uneven cooking and chewier chicken.
Cook the first side for 12 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over, and season them with your favorite seasoning or at a minimum, salt and pepper. Cook the second side for 12 more minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken breast reads 165F. Avoid slicing the chicken during cooking to prevent it from drying out.
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan onto a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it and serving.

Notes

Seasoning your chicken breasts at a minimum with salt and pepper is one crucial step that yields a better-tasting protein. Some of my favorite seasonings to use for frozen chicken breasts include Blackened seasoning, Taco Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, Italian seasoning + garlic powder, or all-purpose seasoning.

Nutrition