Can you poach a whole chicken frozen?

* Uneven Cooking: Poaching relies on gentle heat to cook food evenly. A frozen chicken won't cook evenly, leading to some parts being raw while others are overcooked.

* Safety: Frozen chicken needs to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) throughout to kill bacteria. Poaching a frozen chicken might not achieve this temperature in the center.

* Texture: Frozen chicken will likely be tough and rubbery after poaching. The freezing process disrupts the chicken's muscle fibers, making it harder to achieve a tender result.

Instead, you should:

1. Thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Poach the thawed chicken according to your chosen recipe.

This will ensure safe and delicious results.