Whether you are cooking chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken, find out how long to boil chicken for for juicy, tender meat. Boiling chicken can be sliced or shredded and used in a variety of dishes, including salads and sandwiches.
A delicious, healthy, and simple dish that is a kitchen staple is boiled chicken. To make a fantastic lunch, simply slice the meat and serve it with some rice and vegetables. Alternatively, shred it and use it to make pulled chicken or chicken roll-up sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, or salad. Even my neighbor boils chicken for their dog to eat. The possibilities are truly endless!.
You can begin by using fresh or frozen chicken for the simple cooking process. However, you’ll need to adhere to a few straightforward guidelines to prevent getting rubbery meat. So let’s get started!.
How to Boil Chicken
Simply cover the chicken with an inch or so of water and bring it to a boil is how I cook chicken. Cover the pot, reduce the heat until the water is simmering, and allow the chicken to cook. Thats it!.
How Long Do You Boil Chicken
To determine how long to boil chicken after the water comes to a boil, use the chart below:
| Boiling Time | Fresh | Frozen |
| Chicken Breasts | 15-20 minutes | 20-30 minutes |
| Chicken Thighs/Wings/Legs | 20-30 minutes | 30-40 minutes |
| Whole Chicken (< 4 lbs) | 30-40 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Whole Chicken (> 4 lbs) | 40-60 minutes | 60-90 minutes |
| Chicken Tenders (fillets) | 5-10 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
In the ranges above, larger, bone-in pieces will fall at the upper end while smaller, boneless pieces will fall at the lower end.
How to determine whether meat is fully cooked: If in doubt, place an instant-read thermometer in the center of the meat. As soon as it reads 165°F, the chicken is done.
Boiled Chicken vs. Poached Chicken: What’s the Difference?
In this instance, the term “boiled” is somewhat misleading. You’re not completely boiling the chicken (this would produce tough, dry chicken!) You only boil it at first to get the liquid to the proper temperature, but you finish it in the simmering liquid.
Technically speaking, this technique is known as “poaching,” which simply refers to simmering ingredients in a little liquid.
All of this is to say that there isn’t much of a difference between poached chicken and boiled chicken for this recipe.
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FAQ
How long does it take to boil chicken breast?
Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves should be cooked for 12 to 15 minutes in a pot of water. (Accordingly, it would take 18 to 22 minutes to boil frozen chicken. (Cutting the chicken into 2-inch pieces and cooking it for eight to ten minutes will make the poached chicken even more quickly.
Can you boil chicken breasts too long?
It won’t be dry as long as you cook it to 165. Water boils at 212, so if you leave it in the water for an extended period of time, it will eventually overcook and become dry. However, if you start checking it after 12 to 15 minutes, you should be fine.
How much does it take to boil a chicken breast?
How Long To Boil Chicken. Thinner chicken breast cutlets are ready in about 8 minutes. Larger chicken breasts can take up to 15 minutes. Large bone-in chicken breasts will take about 20 minutes.
How long does it take 3 chicken breasts to boil?
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Depending on the size, it typically takes 25 to 30 minutes to cook 6 chicken breasts and 8 to 15 minutes to cook 3 breasts for chicken.
