It’s hard to beat the convenience of boiled chicken. Sure, it can’t compete with the crackly crunch of fried, the golden schmaltz of roasted, the smoky char of grilled. But! Its swift preparation, snappy ingredient list, and meal prep prowess are second to none. So let’s boil some chicken today and pat ourselves on the back tomorrow.
Cooking chicken can seem intimidating, especially if you are new to the kitchen. But boiling chicken is one of the easiest and most foolproof cooking methods out there. With just a pot, some water, and a simple timing technique, you can have perfectly cooked chicken ready for any recipe.
You will learn everything you need to know about boiling chicken in this detailed guide. We will talk about the best times to cook, how to make the meat extra juicy, and how to tell when the chicken is done. You will learn the best way to boil chicken so that it is always juicy and tender, whether you are cooking bone-in breasts, boneless thighs, or even a whole bird.
Why Choose Boiling?
There are many good reasons to boil chicken, which makes it a good choice for all home cooks.
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It’s simple. All you need is a pot, water, salt, and chicken. No fancy equipment required.
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It’s fast. Chicken cooks quicker when submerged in hot liquid. If you choose the right cut, chicken can be cooked in as little as 10 minutes.
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It’s versatile. Use boiled chicken in soups, salads, sandwiches, casseroles – you name it! The tender meat also shreds beautifully.
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It’s healthy. No added fat is required when you boil chicken. Just tasty, protein-packed meat.
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Bonus broth. The cooking liquid becomes a light, homemade broth full of flavor.
With minimal effort, boiling chicken delivers tender and moist meat infused with subtle flavors. Once you learn proper boil times, it’s a go-to cooking method.
How Long To Boil Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are lean, mild, and versatile. A lot of people boil them because they cook quickly. Based on breast size and bone health, these are the best times to boil:
- Boneless chicken breasts: 12-15 minutes
- Bone-in chicken breasts: 25-30 minutes
- Chicken tenderloins/cutlets: 8-10 minutes
The thinner the breast, the less time needed. Smaller boneless breasts or cutlets will be at the lower end of the time range. Larger, bone-in breasts will need more time.
Regardless of initial boil time, always check doneness before removing chicken from the pot. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If undercooked, boil for a few minutes more until cooked through.
How Long To Boil Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs offer rich flavor and tender texture. Being naturally higher in collagen, they require a bit more boil time than breasts:
- Boneless thighs: 10-15 minutes
- Bone-in thighs (just cooked): 20-25 minutes
- Bone-in thighs (fall-off-the-bone tender): 35-45 minutes
For bone-in thighs, the longer cook time delivers ultra-tender meat as the collagen melts to a luscious gelatin. Thighs are ideal for shredding and use in soups.
You can also boil chicken legs or drumsticks for a similar time period as bone-in thighs. Check temperature and allow extra minutes as needed.
How Long To Boil A Whole Chicken
For whole chickens under 4 pounds, plan on:
- 30-40 minutes for a 2-3 pound chicken
- 40-60 minutes for a 3-4 pound chicken
Larger chickens over 4 pounds will need:
- 60-75 minutes for a 4-5 pound chicken
- 75-90 minutes for a 5-6 pound chicken
The size of the bird is the biggest factor determining total boil time. Be sure to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh before removing. The meat should reach 165°F.
If using a whole chicken for soup, you can boil 5-10 minutes less to allow for additional cooking time in the broth.
Tips For Perfectly Boiled Chicken
Follow these tips and tricks for foolproof boiled chicken every time:
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Use a tall pot. Choose a pot that allows room for water to circulate while keeping the chicken submerged.
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Add salt. Salt acts as a flavor enhancer and tenderizer. Add 1-2 teaspoons to the cooking water.
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Simmer gently. Bring water just to a boil then lower heat to a gentle simmer. High heat can toughen the meat.
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Partially cover. Keeping the lid slightly ajar allows ventilation while containing heat and moisture.
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Check temperature. Invest in an instant read thermometer for accuracy. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165°F.
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Rest before slicing. Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes after boiling to allow juices to redistribute. Slice or shred chicken.
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Save the broth! Don’t throw out the flavorful broth. Use it as a base for soups or as cooking liquid.
How To Know When Chicken Is Done Boiling
Checking doneness of boiled chicken can be confusing. Here are foolproof ways to know your chicken is fully cooked:
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Use a meat thermometer – Insert into thickest area and check for 165°F
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Test texture – Meat should be opaque and firm but still tender when pierced
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Look for clear juices – Cut into meat and juices should run clear, not pink
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Check inside pieces – Slice open thicker areas to inspect color
Allowing chicken to safely finish cooking ensures tender texture and prevents foodborne illness. If in doubt, boil a minute or two longer.
Seasoning and Flavoring Boiled Chicken
One concern with boiled chicken is lack of flavor. Luckily, there are easy ways to impart seasoning:
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Add aromatics to the pot like garlic, onions, carrots, celery, ginger, citrus
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Use fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage all infuse subtle flavors
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Toss in whole peppercorns, bay leaves, or cinnamon sticks
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Season the cooked chicken with spices, herbs, sauces, or marinades
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Use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth instead of water
With these tricks, boiled chicken can be super flavorful!
Storing and Freezing Cooked Chicken
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Refrigerate boiled chicken in an airtight container up to 4 days
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Freeze shredded or sliced chicken up to 4 months
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For best flavor, use homemade broth to cover chicken before freezing
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Can also freeze broth in batches to use in future recipes
Proper storage retains the quality and freshness of boiled chicken. Refrigerate and use within 4 days for maximum juiciness.
Delicious Ways To Use Boiled Chicken
Boiled chicken is endlessly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to use it:
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Shred for chicken salads, tacos, nachos, or sandwiches
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Dice or slice for easy chicken soups like noodle soup or chicken tortilla soup
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Mix with mayo, celery, and onion for an easy chicken salad
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Add to pastas, risottos, and veggie bowls
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Use in casseroles like enchiladas, pot pie, or chicken tetrazzini
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Top salads or create wraps with boiled chicken
With flavorful boiled chicken at the ready in your fridge, healthy homemade meals are just minutes away!
Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time
Learning proper boil times is the key to tender, juicy chicken results. Keep this guide handy and you’ll be able to perfectly boil chicken breasts, thighs, legs, wings, and whole chickens for any recipe.
Once you master this simple cooking technique, boiled chicken will become a regular go-to! The next time a recipe calls for cooked chicken, you’ll be ready to prepare it easily and expertly in your own kitchen.
How to Boil Chicken
- 1 (5 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Water or chicken stock
- Vegetable scraps, herbs, and/or spices (optional)
- Kosher salt
- Add the chicken to a stockpot, then cover it with water or chicken stock up to two inches deep. Add any extras, like vegetable scraps, and mix them in. If it needs more liquid, add it. Set over high heat to come to a boil.
- When the liquid is boiling, season generously with salt. For every quart of water, you should add 1 tablespoon of Diamond Crystal kosher salt. For stock, throw in a few big pinches. Immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the chicken until cooked through. Check and pull the smaller pieces first after 20 to 25 minutes for bone-in pieces. For boneless, skinless breasts, about 10 minutes.
- Use tongs to transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. (If you used a whole chicken, you can take off the skin and bones and put them back in the pot.) To lessen the saltiness, add more water and keep cooking for a few hours to make stock. ).
- When the meat is cool enough to touch, shred it with two forks or, better yet, your hands. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. You can use it right away or put it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Which Chicken Cut Works Best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The path of least resistance for white meat superfans—no bones to pick around or skin to remove. Put toward celery-studded chicken salad or extra-cheesy baked ziti.
Whole chicken. More work, less cost per pound. For stock, save the bones and pick your cuts. For example, for a club sandwich, use white meat, and for a Cobb salad, use dark meat. You can also mix the two.
Water. While some may scoff at the lack of flavor, that won’t stop us. Unlike stock, water is always at the ready. And when seasoned properly with salt, this ingredient helps the chicken become its truest self.
Chicken stock. Meta, right? Indeed, chicken stock yields an even chicken-ier—dare I say the chicken-iest?—flavor. Homemade, boxed, or bouillon all work. If you only have low-sodium, add some salt for good measure. From Our Shop.
Chicken, water, and salt are all you need. If you’re a maximalist, though, take a look around your kitchen for:
Vegetable scraps. Onion butts, carrot peels, kale stems, ginger nubs, you name it. These castaways are full of earthy nuance.
Herbs. A couple sprigs of thyme or rosemary—even a fresh or dried bay leaf—go a long way. Avoid tender herbs like basil or dill.
Spices. Black peppercorns for kick? Star anise for warmth? Fennel seeds for brightness? You tell me.
How to Boil Chicken Breast | The Right Way!
FAQ
How long does it take to Boil Chicken?
The boiling time for chicken depends on the cut and whether it’s bone-in or boneless. Generally, boneless, skinless breasts take 12-15 minutes, while bone-in breasts can take 25-30 minutes. Thighs, both bone-in and boneless, typically require 10-25 minutes.
Is boiling chicken for 1 hour enough?
Step 3: Lower the heat as soon as the water starts to boil. Depending on your stove, this could be low or medium-low. Cover with a lid and crack it a little to let the steam escape. Simmer the chicken breasts for at least an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can you over Boil Chicken?
Yes, it is possible to over-boil chicken, which results in dry, tough, and chewy meat.
How long does it take for a boil to open?
Put warm, wet cloths on the boil for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day. The heat and moisture can help the boil to open and drain, but it may take 5 to 7 days.
What is the best way to heal a boil?
Boil drawing salve is an effective method for boil healing. Boils in many instances are perfectly harmless. In fact, boils is a common condition. There are many treatments available to relieve the irritation associated with boils.
How long does a boil last?
Boils may feel itchy or extra sensitive when they’re first starting to form. See a doctor if your boil gets worse after 1-2 weeks. Boils may last for up to 3 weeks, but they start to diminish as they rupture and drain. If your boil doesn’t start to heal (or if it keeps getting larger), let your doctor know right away.