Delicious and Easy Recipes with Frozen Chicken: A Game-Changer for Busy Home Cooks!
When it comes to quick and easy meal prep, few ingredients are as convenient as frozen chicken. With its long shelf life and versatility in a variety of dishes, it’s no wonder why many home cooks swear by it. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the best of frozen chicken, from comforting casseroles to zesty stir-fries.
From classic comfort food to international flavors, these recipes will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a stress-free dinner solution or a college student seeking a budget-friendly meal idea, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover the delicious world of frozen chicken!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This rich and creamy pasta dish combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and juicy chicken for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz. pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine cooked pasta and chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: approximately 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Frozen Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Frozen Chicken Tacos Recipe
Transform frozen chicken breasts into flavorful tacos with this easy slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen chicken breasts, thawed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup water
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese, lettuce, and other taco toppings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and water. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the cooked chicken with two forks.
5. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
6. Assemble tacos by placing shredded chicken onto a tortilla and adding your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
One-Pan Frozen Chicken and Rice Casserole
A delicious and easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen chicken breast tenders, thawed
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken tenders and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Add the cooked rice, frozen vegetables, and shredded cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the milk and stir until the liquid is absorbed and the mixture is heated through.
6. Return the chicken tenders to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Frozen Chicken Stir-Fry
Kick up your meal game with this spicy and satisfying stir-fry recipe, featuring frozen chicken, crunchy veggies, and a kick of heat.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag frozen boneless chicken breasts, thawed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot to the pan. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and sriracha sauce to the pan, stirring to combine. Return chicken to the pan and stir to coat with sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Frozen Chicken Alfredo Bake
Transform frozen chicken into a comforting, creamy casserole with this easy recipe. This rich and satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (10 oz) bag of frozen cooked chicken strips
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of fettuccine noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the frozen chicken strips, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir until the cheese is well combined with the chicken and cream.
4. Add cooked fettuccine noodles to the mixture and stir until coated.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Quick Frozen Chicken Curry
A flavorful and convenient curry made with frozen chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen boneless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Defrost chicken according to package instructions.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add defrosted chicken and stir to coat with spice mixture.
6. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
7. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Frozen Chicken and Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal on a chilly day. With the convenience of frozen chicken and vegetables, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen boneless chicken breast
– 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for added richness
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the frozen chicken, mixed vegetables, and chicken broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste.
5. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half for added richness.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Frozen Chicken Enchiladas
Satisfy your cravings with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the flavors of Mexico with the convenience of frozen chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-oz) package of frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thawed
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 can (10.5 oz) enchilada sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the thawed chicken into small pieces and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable.
4. Spoon some of the enchilada sauce onto the center of each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Add some of the chicken pieces to the center of each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of cheese.
6. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Frozen Chicken Pot Pie
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through a simple and delicious process to create a comforting frozen chicken pot pie that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, combine chicken, mixed vegetables, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until heated through.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Spoon the chicken mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Brush the edges with butter and fold the other half of the pastry over the filling.
6. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Frozen Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
A flavorful and easy meal solution, these frozen chicken teriyaki bowls are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the frozen chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve the chicken on top of cooked rice with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Frozen Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
In this recipe, we’ll transform a classic salad into a convenient and delicious wrap that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen chicken strips, thawed
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup croutons
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
– 6-8 large flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place chicken strips on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Mix well.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces and add to the salad mixture. Toss to combine.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble wraps by spooning the chicken Caesar salad mixture onto the tortilla, adding optional toppings if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Frozen Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A convenient and healthy stir-fry recipe that can be ready in no time! This dish is perfect for a busy day when you need something quick and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen chicken breast strips, thawed
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the broccoli to the same pan and cook until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Pour the mixture over the chicken and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Frozen Chicken Parmesan Pasta
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in no time. This recipe combines the ease of frozen chicken with the richness of melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound frozen breaded chicken strips, thawed
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the marinara sauce over medium-high heat.
3. Add the thawed chicken strips to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine the cooked pasta and chicken in the skillet. Toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
6. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Frozen Chicken Fajitas
Transform frozen chicken into a flavorful and spicy fajita dish with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb frozen boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thawed
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 small flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Cook until they start to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the cumin and chili powder to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.
6. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble the fajitas by placing the chicken and vegetable mixture onto the tortillas. Add desired toppings and serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Frozen Chicken and Dumplings
Frozen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Summary:
This hearty recipe combines tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a rich and comforting broth, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen boneless chicken breasts
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the frozen chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add vegetable oil and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 8 equal pieces.
5. Place the dumplings on top of the chicken breasts.
6. Pour chicken broth over the chicken and dumplings.
7. Dot the top with butter.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the dumplings are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Frozen Chicken Fried Rice
A quick and delicious meal made with frozen chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup frozen cooked chicken (thawed), diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the frozen chicken, mixed vegetables, cooked rice, and soy sauce. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Frozen Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash
A hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen chicken breast or thighs, thawed
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the sweet potatoes on one half of the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
4. On the other half of the baking sheet, place the chicken and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Frozen Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect remedy for a chilly day. With the convenience of frozen chicken and noodles, you can have a warm and satisfying meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen cooked chicken breast
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces noodles (such as egg noodles or rice noodles)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, add the frozen chicken and noodles, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover the versatility of frozen chicken with these 18 easy and delicious recipes! From creamy pasta dishes to spicy stir-fries, you’ll find a variety of meals that are quick, easy, and perfect for any day. Try making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Slow Cooker Frozen Chicken Tacos, or One-Pan Frozen Chicken and Rice Casserole for a comforting meal. Or, opt for something lighter like Spicy Frozen Chicken Stir-Fry or Quick Frozen Chicken Curry. Whatever your taste buds crave, there’s a frozen chicken recipe on this list that’s sure to satisfy.
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