Boiled and shredded chicken breast is a versatile ingredient that can be used in all kinds of recipes. But getting the timing right is crucial to end up with chicken that is perfectly cooked and easy to shred. So how long should you boil chicken breasts to shred them easily?
Overview of Boiling Chicken Breasts
One of the fastest and easiest ways to cook chicken breasts is to put them in simmering water and cook them all the way through. Here are the main steps:
- Place chicken breasts in a pot and cover with cold water. Use enough water to submerge the chicken.
- Add seasonings like salt, pepper, herbs or garlic. Chicken stock can also be used instead of plain water.
- Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Then reduce heat and simmer gently.
- Cook until chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures they are fully cooked.
- Remove pot from heat and transfer chicken to a plate or cutting board. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding.
Shredding boiled chicken breasts is also very simple. Either use two forks to separate the meat into strands, or You can also quickly shred the chicken with a stand mixer or food processor.
How long should you boil chicken breasts for the best results? Keep reading for tips.
How Long to Boil Chicken Breasts
The boiling time can vary based on a few factors:
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Size of the chicken breasts: bigger breasts will take longer to cook. Smaller cutlets may only need 10-12 minutes.
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Bone-in or boneless – Boneless breasts cook faster than bone-in. Plan for 15-20 minutes for boneless. Up to 25 minutes for bone-in.
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Amount being cooked – The more chicken you boil, the longer the overall cooking time. Boiling 1-2 breasts takes less time than a family-sized batch.
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Frozen vs. thawed – Frozen chicken breasts take roughly 50% longer to reach 165°F internally.
As a general guideline here are the estimated boiling times
- 1-2 small boneless chicken breasts: 12-15 minutes
- 2-3 average boneless breasts: 15-18 minutes
- 2 bone-in chicken breasts: 20-22 minutes
- 4-6 boneless breasts: 18-22 minutes
- Frozen chicken breasts: Add 8-10 minutes
The most foolproof way to test doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Check the thickest part of the chicken and boil until 165°F is reached. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a breast to check if juices run clear.
Tips for Perfectly Boiled Shredded Chicken
Follow these tips for boiling chicken breasts that shred easily into the perfect texture:
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Don’t overcook – Once chicken hits 165°F, immediately remove from heat. Overcooking makes chicken dry and tough.
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Allow to rest – Letting chicken rest 5-10 minutes makes it easier to shred smoothly.
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Use sharp knives – A sharp chef’s knife or kitchen shears will cut through chicken cleanly for shredding.
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Shred across grain – For stringy texture, shred across the grain of the chicken fibers.
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Use two forks – Pulling meat apart into strands with two forks is effective for shredding.
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Reheat in sauce – If chicken shreds seem dry, reheat in a flavorful sauce to add moisture.
What Recipes Use Shredded Chicken?
Shredded boiled chicken breasts are extremely versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use shredded chicken:
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Chicken salads – Try a classic chicken salad, buffalo chicken or Waldorf chicken salad.
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Wraps and sandwiches – Chicken shreds make great sandwich fillings.
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Casseroles – Mix with rice, veggies and cheese for an easy casserole.
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Soups – Chicken noodle soup, chicken tortilla soup, chicken and dumplings.
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Tacos – Shredded chicken tacos are tasty topped with salsa and cheese.
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Stir fries – Toss with veggies and teriyaki sauce for a quick stir fry.
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Pasta dishes – Mix into creamy chicken pasta alfredo or chicken parmesan pasta.
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Flatbreads – Pile shredded chicken onto naan or pita with veggies and sauce.
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Quesadillas – Sprinkle shredded chicken inside a quesadilla with cheese.
So get ready to enjoy boiled, shredded chicken breast in all kinds of quick and easy recipes! Follow the tips above on how long to boil chicken breasts for perfect results every time.
Boiled Chicken vs. Poached Chicken
In this case, “boiled” is a little bit of a misnomer. Youre not boiling the chicken for the whole time (this would result in tough, dry chicken!). You only boil it at first to get the liquid hot, but then you finish it off in a liquid that is simmering.
Technically, this method is called “poaching,” which just means simmering ingredients in a small amount of liquid.
This is all to say that for this recipe, there is no real difference between boiled chicken or poached chicken.
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Can You Boil Chicken Thighs, Too?
I use this method most frequently for cooking chicken breasts, but you can also use it for cooking chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Boneless chicken thighs will take about 10 minutes to cook.
- Bone-in chicken thighs will take about 15 minutes to cook.
Cook as many breasts (or thighs) at once as you like. They cook best when in a single layer, so use a pan big enough to hold everything.
How to Boil Chicken Breast | The Right Way!
FAQ
How long does chicken need to boil to be shredded?
MethodPlace the chicken in a single layer in the bottom of a pan: It’s ok if the pieces overlap a little. Cover with an inch of water: Add the salt and any seasonings you’d like to use. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat: . Cover and simmer for 8 to 15 minutes: . Cool briefly, then shred or slice:
Is 30 minutes enough to boil chicken?
That depends on the size of the breasts and whether they have bones. Chicken breasts with the skin still on should be cooked for about 30 minutes, or until they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This would mean boiling frozen chicken for about 45 minutes. Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: cook 12 to 15 minutes. Apr 28, 2025.
How long to boil chicken until it falls apart?
Place the chicken in a large pot with the onion, carrots, celery, and peppercorns. Add enough water to cover the chicken by 1 inch. Cover the pot and bring to a boil; reduce heat to a gentle boil and cook until meat falls off the bone, about 90 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and let sit until cool enough to handle. Shred or chop meat.
Does chicken breast get tougher the longer you boil it?
The Science of Cooking Chicken Breast It becomes firmer as the proteins coagulate, or come together. However, if the chicken is cooked for too long, it can become tough. This is because the proteins continue to coagulate and squeeze out moisture.