Can you season frozen chicken before baking?

Yes, you can absolutely season frozen chicken before baking! Here's why and how:

Why it works:

* Flavor: Seasoning the chicken while frozen helps the spices penetrate deeper into the meat as it thaws and cooks. This results in more flavorful chicken.

* Convenience: It saves time and effort. You can season the chicken the night before and just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake.

How to do it:

1. Thaw slightly: Don't season the chicken completely frozen, as the seasonings won't adhere well. Allow it to thaw slightly, either in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature.

2. Season generously: Apply your favorite seasonings liberally. You can use dry rubs, marinades, or even just salt and pepper.

3. Cover and chill (optional): If you're seasoning the chicken ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. This allows the seasonings to permeate the chicken even further.

4. Bake as usual: Follow your favorite chicken baking recipe, ensuring the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips:

* Don't overcrowd the pan: This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.

* Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through to the safe internal temperature.

* Consider using a dry rub: Dry rubs adhere better to frozen chicken than wet marinades.

Enjoy! Your seasoned frozen chicken will be delicious and ready to eat.