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Quick Forgot to Defrost Chicken Dinner Thaw in 2 Hours Easy Recipe

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A quick and easy chicken dinner recipe that uses a safe cold water thawing method to prepare frozen chicken in about 2 hours, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth or water
  • Optional: 1 cup sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Place frozen chicken breasts in a large bowl or sealed plastic bag and cover completely with cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Thaw for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Remove chicken from water and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
  3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 3 minutes.
  4. Place chicken in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the underside is golden brown and releases easily.
  5. Flip the chicken and add minced garlic around the pan, stirring gently to avoid burning. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for another 6-8 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. If using optional veggies, add them during the last 4 minutes of cooking to soften without losing crunch.
  8. Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Change the cold water every 30 minutes during thawing to keep chicken safe. Pat chicken dry before searing to get a better crust. Cover skillet while simmering to lock in moisture. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. If garlic browns too fast, lower heat and stir more frequently. Add a splash of water if broth evaporates too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick chicken dinner, thaw chicken fast, cold water thawing, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, boneless skinless chicken, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/quick-forgot-to-defrost-chicken-dinner-thaw-in-2-hours-easy-recipe/