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!.
Bring your water to a boil after you have added all of your flavors. In order to maintain a fairly rapid simmer, cover the pot and slightly reduce the heat. Your chicken breasts should simmer for roughly 10 minutes, depending on their size. 10 minutes later, take one piece out of the pot and inspect it. The internal temperature should be 165°. If they need more time check every 5 minutes. Dont let them overcook or they will become rubbery.
Currently serving as Food Editor for Delish, Makinze creates recipes, hosts recipe videos, and is our go-to baker. She is also our go-to for everything related to Midwest cuisine, having come from Oklahoma. Shes also our expert pie crimper. This content is imported from poll. On their website, you might find the exact same information in a different format or more details.
Add enough liquid to completely cover your chicken breasts in a sizable pot with a tight-fitting lid. It’s imperative to season your liquid well with salt and pepper. Its really no different than boiling a pot of pasta. You can also add fresh herbs, carrots, or onions to the pot if you have them on hand. The more the merrier because everything you add to the pot will affect the flavor.
Knowing how to boil chicken will come in handy if you ever find yourself in need of a rotisserie chicken but didn’t have one. Boiling chicken is the ideal method to obtain tender, juicy, and easy-to-shred chicken when there isn’t time (or energy) to run to the store. You can dress it up however you like, and it’s perfect for pulled chicken sandwiches or chicken salad sandwiches (my favorite). Contrary to what the name implies, it need not be bland or monotonous. In addition, boiling takes less time and effort than cooking in a skillet. It’s as simple as bringing a pot of water to a boil, and when done correctly, boiling can produce a piece of chicken that is perfectly tender.
Reasons for Boiling Chicken
For a variety of reasons, boiling chicken is a beloved tradition around the world.
The meat will become juicy and tender if you don’t overcook it!
How to Boil Chicken
Choose a large enough pot for boiling chicken so that it only partially overflows. Next, incorporate optional seasonings like bay leaves, black peppercorns, and/or fresh herbs along with chopped carrots, celery, and onions.
Put enough cold water or broth on the chicken to cover it by about an inch. Then bring to a boil over high heat. When it boils, cover the pan and lower the heat to a low simmer. Remove the surface-level brown froth using a skimmer.
When the chicken is finished cooking, move it to a carving board and let it cool for a while before shredding or slicing.
FAQ
How long does it take to boil 2 large chicken breasts?
Cook chicken breasts with the bone in for 25–30 minutes, or boneless for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Before slicing or chopping, remove from the cooking liquid and let stand for at least five minutes.
How long does it take to boil chicken breast to be done?
Cook bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for about 30 minutes, or until they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (this would require boiling frozen chicken for about 45 minutes). Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves should be cooked for 12 to 15 minutes in a pot of water.
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 long does it take to boil a big chicken?
Boiling a fresh whole chicken weighing 3–4 pounds takes about 1 1/2 hours. The total cooking time must be increased by 15 minutes per pound if the chicken weighs more than 4 pounds. For a frozen chicken, increase the total cooking time by 15 minutes. Boiling a 3–4–lb frozen whole chicken will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
