Can I bake a frozen chicken breast?

[Placebo]

Time is of the essence tonight and I want to make a couple boneless skinless chicken breasts. Problem is: they are both frozen.

Can anyone let me know the best way to fast thaw them?

ALSO

Can I just put them in the oven frozen? If so, can anyone tell me a recipe or a temperature or a time?

Thanks! :)

[ghostsofgiants]

1. I've done it before. I don't remember the specifics though and it probably won't work out quite...

As well as an already thawed one.

As for thawing, maybe put them in a plastic bag in some hot water? I dunno.

[bicentennial_baby]

4. Noooooo! Cold water!

Hot water increases the likelihood of bacterial growth.

:hi:

[ghostsofgiants]

5. Good point.

Cold water then, haha.

[Gormy Cuss]

2. Thaw fast without a microwave?

Place them on a metal baking sheet, the heavier the better. The metal conducts heat so well that they'll thaw much faster than in glass or plastic. You can also try putting them in a Ziploc bag and submerging them in a large bowl of cold water -- similar idea.

Baking them frozen is risky unless they're thin. The outside will dry out long before the inside is cooked unless you're submerging them in a sauce.


on edit for clarity: a metal tray on the counter is good for flat, relatively small pieces of meat (steaks, chops, etc.) but isn't a good way to defrost whole chickens, roasts, or other large pieces --best to use a water bath or microwave for those.

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

To answer your questions in order.

[LaydeeBug]

6. Listen to the Laydee...

Place both chicken breasts in some lukewarm/cool water for about twety minutes.

They will be thawed, and not with that weird half poached microwave weirdness that happens when you use the microwave, and it thaws unevenly.

:hi:

[Blue Diadem]

7. Yep, you can bake frozen boneless breasts.

400 degrees. You may want to cover them with foil. I usually don't. I'll put on seasonings after a bit, once you can see they are beginning to be moist on top. Depending on size, average is usually 40-45 minutes. I use the boneless flash frozen breasts that come in 3-4# bags, they're not anywhere near as thick as the fresh ones we get from the butcher. The thickest may be 1 1/2".

You can also nuke defrost them. I've done that before, defrost enough so they're moist and will hold breading.

I just dug out a package and it says to cook from frozen state. It says 400 degrees, shallow pan. Cover tightly with foil bake 20 minutes, remove foil, turn chicken. Cook 15 minutes longer or until juices run clear or temp reaches 170 degrees. They recommend seasoning or glazing after turning.