How to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs

User Reviews

4.8

74 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    55 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    648 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

How to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs

This method for cooking frozen chicken thighs involves seasoning them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika spices before baking at 180°C (360°F). The chicken is cooked on a foil-lined tray skin side up until fully done, ensuring safety by checking for no pink inside and reaching an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Description

This recipe shows how to roast frozen chicken thighs starting with seasoning a tray of eight thighs with olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, sweet paprika, and smoked paprika. After preheating the oven, the frozen pieces are coated evenly with the spice oil mixture and arranged skin side up on a foil-lined baking tray.

The chicken is baked for 50 to 60 minutes, allowing additional cooking time since the meat starts frozen. The method emphasizes the importance of confirming the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining. Using a digital thermometer to check an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) ensures safety and optimal doneness.

The seasoning contributes mild smoky and sweet flavors, complementing the natural taste of the thighs. Cooking skin side up helps maintain crispy skin texture during baking. This approach requires no prior thawing but still achieves tender meat when cooked fully.

Other spice blends can be substituted if preferred. Always add about 50% more time when baking directly from frozen. Checking internal temperature is recommended for food safety and quality.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
  • ½ teaspoon paprika sweet
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika sweet or hot to taste (Note 1)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius/ 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Let the meat stand on the counter while you preheat the oven.
  2. Mix oil and spices in a small bowl.
  3. Rub: Place chicken parts on the tray. Pour the spice mixture over them and rub them well with the hands until completely coated. Arrange in a single layer and skin side up on the tray.
  4. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until cooked through. Make sure to check; there is no red or pink allowed. The best way to check is with a digital meat thermometer; the internal temperature of the chicken should be 74 degrees Celsius/ 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Notes

  • You can substitute other spices or spice mixes for the seasoning blend.
  • Allow about 50% longer cooking time compared to thawed chicken.
  • Always confirm doneness by checking the internal temperature is 74°C (165°F) and there is no pink meat.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 2thighs Calories 648kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 61g (122%) Fat 46g (71%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat 34g (200%) Cholesterol 333mg (111%) Sodium 982mg (41%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 648 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 2thighs
Calories 648kcal 32%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 61g 122%
Fat 46g 71%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Polyunsaturated Fat 34g 200%
Cholesterol 333mg 111%
Sodium 982mg 41%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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