You can boil frozen chicken – and it’s simple to do. We will walk you step-by-step on how to safely boil frozen chicken including legs, thighs, breasts, and whole chicken to use for shredding, as is, or in a favorite recipe.
Boiling chicken from frozen is a quick and easy no-fail method that leaves you with juicy and tender cuts of chicken every time. As an added bonus, you’ll create homemade chicken broth to use in future recipes.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written boiled chicken guide below!
Table of Contents
Equipment
- stockpot with lid
- tongs
Ingredients
- 1-4 pounds frozen chicken legs, thighs, breast, or whole chicken ✅
- water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- fresh herbs optional
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
Boiled Chicken Guide
Add the frozen chicken into a large stockpot. Fill with water about 1 inch above the chicken. Add salt, pepper, and herbs if using. Cover and bring to a boil.
Pick A Liquid
More times than not, we use water when boiling chicken to keep things simple. Chicken or vegetable broth can also be used if desired.
Flavor The Chicken
For ideas on how to season chicken, pick one or more from this list to add straight to the pot of water:
- Salt & pepper
- Thyme
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots & celery
- Parsley
- Oregano
How Long To Boil Frozen Chicken
Boiling times will vary depending on the cut of chicken. Here is a guide you can refer to anytime you need to know how long it takes to boil chicken.
| Frozen boneless chicken breasts | Frozen bone-in chicken breasts | Frozen boneless chicken thighs | Frozen bone-in chicken thighs | Frozen chicken legs | Frozen whole chicken<4 lbs |
| 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 30-35 minutes | 40-50 minutes | 30 minutes | 1 hour – 1:45 minutes |
Cool and serve
Once the chicken has reached the internal temperature of 165°F, carefully remove the chicken with tongs from the water. Cool, then shred, chop, or use as you please in your favorite recipe.
How To Shred Chicken
In the KitchenAid: Shred chicken in under 60 seconds by placing boneless chicken into the bowl of your Kitchenaid then use the paddle attachment on low and mix until shredded.
With a fork: Shred chicken by placing into a bowl and using two forks to pull the chicken from the bone or shred boneless chicken.
Ways To Use Boiled Chicken
Chopped or shredded boiled chicken can be used in your favorite wraps, sandwiches, salads or incorporated as an ingredient in any boiled chicken recipe. Learn how long to boil chicken breasts here.
This is one reason that boiled chicken is great for meal prep. The shredded chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days then used as you please throughout the week.
Recipes that Use Boiled Chicken
- Gluten Free Chicken Enchiladas
- Oven Baked Chicken Tacos
- Gluten Free Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Gluten-Free Chicken And Dumplings
- Dairy Free Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Tatertot Casserole
- Grandmas Chicken Casserole
Frequently Asked Questions
The liquid in the stock pot after the chicken has been fully cooked is homemade chicken broth. It can be used in future soup recipes after straining. Store in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Boiled chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container, Ziploc or stasher bag.
Chicken can remain frozen for up to 3 months. Knowing this timeframe, we will purchase chicken anytime it is on sale, freeze then use this method of boiling when ready to eat. It is a great cost-effective way to feed the family.
If looking to thaw chicken prior to cooking, thaw overnight in the fridge or do a quick thaw by placing the chicken under cold running water until defrosted. It is recommended that you do NOT thaw chicken by leaving on your countertop at room temperature due to food safety concerns.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Create your favorite side dish or pick a boiled chicken recipe while the chicken is cooking
- Brainstorm spice combinations to season this chicken with while the chicken is boiling
- Before chopping, slicing or shredding, use a thermometer to make sure the chicken is at least 165 degrees F
More Ways To Cook Chicken
- How To Bake Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts
- Fried Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
- Air Fryer Italian Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Tenderloins
- Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Wings
- Chicken On A Stick
- Air Fry Chicken Legs
- How To Cook Frozen Chicken (Instant Pot)
- How To Poach Frozen Chicken Breasts in Instant Pot
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
How To Boil Frozen Chicken
Equipment
- stockpot with lid
Ingredients
- 1-4 pounds frozen chicken legs, thighs, breast, or whole chicken ✅
- water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- fresh herbs optional
Instructions
- Place frozen chicken into a stockpot and add water. Add the frozen chicken into a large stockpot. Fill with water about 1 inch above the chicken. Add salt, pepper, and herbs if using. Cover and bring to a boil.1-4 pounds frozen chicken legs, thighs, breast, or whole chicken, water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, fresh herbs
- ⭐️Boil. Boiling times for the different cuts of chicken:Frozen boneless chicken breasts: 30 minutes Frozen bone-in chicken breasts: 45 minutesFrozen boneless chicken thighs: 30-35 minutesFrozen bone-in chicken thighs: 40-50 minutesFrozen chicken legs: 30 minutesFrozen whole chicken <4 lbs: 1 hour – 1:45 minutes
- Cool and serve. Once the chicken has reached the internal temperature of 165°F carefully remove the chicken with tongs. Cool, then shred, chop, or use as you please in your favorite recipe.
Notes
Seasoning Chicken
- Salt & pepper
- Thyme
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots & celery
- Parsley
- Oregano
Nutrition
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Chef John says
The frozen chicken will take a little longer to fully cook through You can let it thaw slowly in the fridge beforehand.
Coleen Gallagher says
After frozen chicken is cooked, can I freeze it again?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Coleen! Yes, it is safe to freeze chicken after cooking it from previously frozen.