Easy Boiled Chicken Recipe
Boiled Chicken is a perfectly healthy meal that is tender, flavorful, and full of proteins. Use this easy recipe for sandwiches, shredded chicken, tacos, or soups. No matter how you utilize the chicken, it is guaranteed to be super juicy and flavorful!
There are no limits on how you could incorporate this recipe. We love to enjoy it on Chicken Casseroles, Tostadas, and many more!
Boiling a Chicken is probably one of those essential dishes that everyone should eventually learn to cook. It is such a basic recipe, yet so important, that we believe it should be one of the first dishes on the learner’s list.
Because chicken is so popular and versatile, it is essential to know the basics of how to cook and boil it properly. This recipe will show you exactly that. Just because we are boiling the poultry, it does not mean the meat is bland. We season it with flavors and aromas. You see, with this recipe not only do you get perfectly cooked meat, but you also get a deliciously healthy, homemade chicken broth!
Homemade boiled chicken is a fool-proof recipe, and very simple to make. Whether you want to make a flavorful homemade broth, a salad, or soup, use this dish to guide it through.
How to Boil a Chicken Perfectly?
Boiling is very simple and easy. Also, watch the recipe video tutorial attached. However, to properly do so, we follow the below steps:
- Pick the chicken – try to go with the best quality meat, and younger poultry, as the older they get the rougher the meat is.
- Season it – Place the whole poultry in a large pot and add enough water to it, so it is fully covered. To get the best broth, and flavorful meal, seasoning is essential here. So, use some black pepper, salt, minced garlic, some bay leaf, and fresh vegetables such as sliced carrots, onions, fresh herbs, and peppercorns. You might add also some sliced celery. The veggies add a lot of flavor to it, so use the one you love most.
- Bring it to Boil – the secret here is to simmer it over a longer period on lower heat. This way the meat slowly and surely absorbs all the flavors, while becoming perfectly moist and tender. Once the water boiled, cover the pot and let it continue cooking at low heat.
- Rest and shred it – Once cooked, remove it from the water, and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. After, you can cut it into desired pieces, or shred it with a fork.
How Long to Boil Chicken?
As stated above the secret here is to cook it on low for a longer period. Also, please note, that the amount of time will depend on the size of the bird, whether it is a young/old bird, and whether it is fresh or frozen.
We usually go with fresh poultry when making this dish, and therefore our cooking time is about 90 to 105 minutes. If the chicken is larger than 4lb, then we would add 15 minutes, so the total time will be closer to 2 hours.
Also, if you do not want to boil a whole chicken, but rather different parts, you could easily do so. The cooking time, in that case, will be much lower. For boiled thighs or wings, you will only need about 45 minutes.
How long does boneless chicken breast take to boil?
- For skinless, boneless chicken breasts, the cooking time should be about 13-15 minutes.
- If using frozen chicken, then it would take about 20-23 minutes to boil, and fully cook the meat.
- Also, boiling chicken time will differ a bit based on size. So, if you want to cook it even faster, cut the chicken into smaller pieces and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.
How long does it take to boil boneless chicken thighs?
- Boneless chicken thighs will need about 10 minutes to boil.
- Bone-in chicken thighs will take about 15 minutes to cook.
Can I boil frozen chicken?
Yes! If you do not have a fresh bird and do not want to thaw it, boiling it right away is also an option. Simply follow the same instructions above. The only difference will be the cooking time, you will have to add 10 minutes to it. That is it!
In addition, you could use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. The best way to check is to insert the meat thermometer into the thigh. The internal temperature should read 165 degrees F.
How to Boil Chicken Breast?
Follow the same instruction as you would for the whole-bone in chicken. Use the same ingredients, such as herbs, and veggies, as they give the most flavor and aromas. In addition, please note, breasts are much leaner. Therefore, it is important not to overcook them, as they might become dry.
- Place the breasts in the water mixture and bring them to a boil.
- Then, reduce the heat to low, and cook them for about 25-30 minutes. This time is for 6 breast pieces. If you are only cooking 3, the time will be reduced to 10-15 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should be 165 degrees F.
- Shred and enjoy with your favorite dishes!
What to do with boiled chicken?
There are unlimited ways you could use it. First of all, you will end up with a flavorful homemade broth, that beats any store-bought version. You can utilize the broth in various other dishes, such as soups burrito bowls, salads, etc.
Also, you can store the broth in a lidded jar in the fridge for up to 1 week, and use it when needed.
More chicken recipes with boiled chicken
How long does boiled chicken last in the fridge?
According to USDA, cooked poultry is best refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is properly wrapped and stored.
Also, it can be frozen. To freeze it, use airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat before serving.
Cooking tips:
- You can also cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot.
- The flavors will tremendously depend on what herbs and veggies you use in the broth. Therefore, try using fresh herbs as stated above. You can also add thyme, dried basil, rosemary, sage, etc.
- Also, is very important to simmer the meat at a low period longer period of time. This way the flavors reflectedare slowly reflecting into this dish.
- In addition, instead of water, you can boil it in chicken broth. This will enhance the flavors as well.
How to Boil Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 3-4 lbs
- 2 medium onions quartered
- 2 large carrots cut into large chunks
- 6 cloves garlic smashed
- 6 lemon slices
- 1/2 lemon for stuffing the chicken
- 2 celery stalks cut into large chunks
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 5 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh oregano
- 6 sprigs fresh parsley
- 1 bunch parsley with root on
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Enough water to cover the chicken
Instructions
- Cut the onions into quarters, the carrots, and the celery into large chunks.
- Place one of the onions, 2 cloves garlic, and half a lemon into the cavity of the chicken.
- Place chicken into a large pot or dutch oven and add the rest of vegetables, fresh herbs, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Add enough water to cover the chicken.
- Cover pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat down to low-medium and simmer partially covered for 1 1/2 – 2 hours.
- Remove chicken and allow to cool before removing the meat from the bones.
- Strain and reserve the broth for later use.
- Use chicken meat in sandwiches, salads, wraps or serve as is with a healthy side dish.
Nutrition
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