Frozen chicken often gets a bad reputation, but much of what you hear simply isn’t true. In fact, frozen chicken offers consistent quality, convenience and cost efficiency, which is why it’s a staple in so many restaurants and takeaways across the UK.

At Magna Foodservice, we supply a wide range of high-quality frozen poultry products to food operators. We’ve seen first-hand how frozen chicken can help businesses succeed.

Let’s bust the biggest myths about frozen chicken and reveal why it could be a smart choice for your menu.

Myth 1: Frozen Chicken is Lower Quality

One of the most common misconceptions is that frozen chicken is inferior to fresh. In reality, modern freezing techniques lock in freshness, texture and flavour shortly after processing. In many cases, frozen chicken can be even fresher than “fresh” chicken that’s spent several days in transit.

Fact: Quick freezing preserves quality, helping you serve consistently excellent dishes.

Myth 2: Frozen Chicken is Less Nutritious

Some believe freezing destroys nutrients, but scientific studies show minimal nutrient loss during freezing. In fact, according to the USDA, the nutritional content of frozen meat is nearly identical to that of fresh.

Fact: Frozen chicken remains a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Myth 3: Frozen Chicken is More Expensive

Because frozen chicken has a longer shelf life, it can actually save businesses money. You can order in bulk, reduce waste and better manage stock levels without the pressure of immediate use by dates.

Fact: Frozen chicken is often more cost-effective, helping you control food costs.

Myth 4: Frozen Chicken Tastes Worse

Poorly thawed or improperly handled chicken can negatively impact flavour, but when frozen chicken is thawed correctly, there’s no detectable taste difference. Many chefs can’t tell the difference in side-by-side tests.

Fact: Proper storage and thawing methods ensure frozen chicken tastes just as good as fresh.

Myth 5: Frozen Chicken is Full of Additives

There is a difference between natural frozen chicken and pre-marinated or processed products. Many frozen chicken options supplied by Magna Foodservice contain no added water, salt or preservatives.

Fact: Always check product specs. High-quality frozen chicken is often pure and additive-free.

Benefits of Using Frozen Chicken in Professional Kitchens

  • Stock Flexibility: Having a reserve of frozen chicken helps kitchens manage fluctuating customer demand without fear of spoilage.
  • Reduced Waste: Less spoilage means less money thrown away, supporting better margins and more sustainable operations.
  • Menu Versatility: Frozen chicken products are available in a variety of cuts and formats including fillets, thighs and wings, enabling chefs to diversify menus easily.
  • Food Safety: Proper freezing reduces the growth of bacteria. With strict handling, frozen chicken remains a safe and reliable option.

Real-Life Examples: Frozen Chicken in Action

  • Takeaways: Fast food outlets use frozen chicken fillets and wings to deliver consistent, speedy service during peak hours.
  • Restaurants: Frozen diced chicken is perfect for batch-cooking curries in particular with minimal prep time.
  • Catering: Frozen chicken provides caterers with easy portion control, consistent sizing and guaranteed safety standards for feeding large groups.
  • Hotels and Events: Bulk frozen options allow event caterers to prepare ahead without worrying about fresh stock perishability.

Frozen poultry allows businesses across all these sectors to keep their operations smooth and their customers satisfied.

Tips for Handling Frozen Chicken Correctly

  • Always thaw in refrigeration, not at room temperature.
  • Label and rotate stock (FIFO: First In, First Out).
  • Use appropriate thawing containers to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Avoid refreezing once thawed unless fully cooked.

Following simple best practices ensures the highest quality and safety standards are maintained.

Why Choose Magna Foodservice for Frozen Chicken?

At Magna Foodservice, we only source frozen chicken from trusted suppliers who meet strict quality and safety standards. Our products offer reliability, versatility and cost efficiency, helping you deliver outstanding results every time.

  • Broad range of cuts and formats.
  • Reliable, flexible deliveries.
  • Competitive pricing for every sector.
  • Expert support and easy online ordering.

Need advice on choosing the right frozen chicken for your kitchen? Call our telesales team at 020 8050 1231 or visit www.magnafoodservice.co.uk to discover our full poultry range.

Don’t let old myths stand in the way of smart menu planning. Frozen chicken offers unbeatable consistency, quality and value.

Frozen chicken has become an integral component of the food industry, offering numerous benefits that align with the evolving needs of consumers and foodservice providers. Beyond the commonly discussed advantages, there are additional facets of frozen chicken that contribute to its growing demand.

1. Enhanced Food Safety through Advanced Freezing Techniques

Modern freezing technologies, such as Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) methods, have revolutionized the preservation of chicken. IQF rapidly freezes individual pieces, preventing the formation of large ice crystals that can damage cellular structures. This technique not only maintains the texture and flavour of the chicken but also inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring a safer product for consumers.

2. Contribution to Sustainable Practices

Frozen chicken plays a role in promoting sustainability within the food industry. By extending shelf life and reducing spoilage, it minimises food waste. Additionally, the ability to transport frozen chicken over long distances without compromising quality supports efficient distribution networks, reducing the need for frequent deliveries and associated carbon emissions.​

3. Support for Diverse Dietary Needs

The versatility of frozen chicken allows it to cater to various dietary preferences and requirements. Whether for high-protein diets, low-fat meal plans or specific cultural cuisines, frozen chicken can be prepared in numerous ways to meet diverse nutritional goals. This adaptability makes it a valuable ingredient in restaurant and takeaway kitchens.​

4. Facilitation of Emergency Preparedness

In times of emergencies or supply chain disruptions, frozen chicken serves as a reliable protein source. Its long shelf life ensures that operators can maintain food security during unforeseen events. Stockpiling frozen chicken can be a strategic component of emergency preparedness plans, providing nutritional sustenance when fresh food supplies are limited.​

5. Economic Advantages for Foodservice Operations

For restaurants and catering services, frozen chicken offers economic benefits by enabling bulk purchasing and reducing the frequency of deliveries. This not only lowers procurement costs but also minimises labour associated with frequent inventory management. The consistency in portion sizes and quality further streamlines kitchen operations, enhancing overall efficiency.​

6. Market Demand and Growth

The demand for frozen chicken continues to rise, driven by factors such as urbanization, busy lifestyles and the need for convenient meal solutions. According to a report by IndexBox, the UK’s frozen cuts of chicken market is projected to reach 239,000 tons and a value of $625m by 2035, reflecting a steady growth trajectory. This upward trend underscores the product’s alignment with contemporary consumer preferences and its integral role in the food industry.

Frequently Asked Questions: Frozen Chicken

1. How long can frozen chicken be stored safely?

Frozen chicken can be stored safely for up to 9-12 months if kept consistently at -18°C or lower.

2. Is it safe to cook frozen chicken without thawing?

Yes, you can cook chicken directly from frozen, but cooking times will be approximately 50% longer. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C.

3. How can I tell if frozen chicken has gone bad?

Signs of spoilage include a strong unpleasant odour, colour changes (greyish tones) or freezer burn (dry, white patches).

4. Can frozen chicken be refrozen after thawing?

Only if the chicken has been thawed safely in the refrigerator and has not been left at unsafe temperatures. For best quality, avoid refreezing raw meat.

5. Does frozen chicken shrink more than fresh when cooked?

Not significantly. Shrinkage is more related to moisture content and cooking method than whether the chicken was previously frozen.

6. Are there pre-marinated frozen chicken options available?

In the market, there are pre-marinated frozen chicken options to help kitchens save time and add flavour variety.

7. Does freezing chicken kill bacteria?

Freezing does not kill bacteria, but it does stop their growth. Proper cooking is still required to ensure food safety.

8. What’s the best way to defrost frozen chicken?

Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator, allowing time for it to defrost slowly and safely.

9. How do I prevent freezer burn on frozen chicken?

Keep chicken in airtight packaging and avoid prolonged storage. Proper wrapping significantly reduces freezer burn risks.

10. Where can I order high-quality frozen chicken for my business?

Magna Foodservice supplies a comprehensive range of frozen poultry to restaurants and takeaways.