How To Boil Chicken Breasts

Learning how to boil chicken breasts is the easiest way to cook chicken, whether you’re planning to shred it for casseroles or soup, use it for meal prep, batch cook and freeze, or simply serve it as is. This method ensures flavorful chicken that stays moist and tender, and it’s the perfect protein to add to salads or pasta for a quick dinner.

In this foolproof guide, we’ll show you how long to boil chicken breasts to get perfectly flavorful and juicy results every time in just a few easy steps. Plus, we’ll share our favorite ways to boost the flavor of the chicken while it cooks.

This is the best boiled chicken! Enjoy it as is or shred it up for your favorite recipes like chicken soups or to replace rotisserie chicken in any dish. You will be amazed at its versatility.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

When it comes to making flavorful meat, there’s no need to limit yourself to just chicken breasts. You can get creative with various cuts to add depth of flavor and texture.

• You can try a whole bird for a traditional approach, allowing the bones to infuse the broth with rich flavor. Learn how to boil a whole chicken here.
• If you prefer darker meat, bone-in chicken thighs offer tender chicken and juiciness that can’t be beaten. For added convenience, boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic option, ensuring easy preparation. Learn how to boil chicken thighs here.
• Don’t overlook chicken drumsticks, which bring a fun and nostalgic element to the table, perfect for dunking into sauces or enjoying on their own. Learn how to boil chicken legs here.

Whether you opt for bone-in thighs, boneless thighs, or chicken pieces, each cut offers unique qualities in a chicken recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 3 large cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 3 stalks of parsley (optional)
• water

How To Make

1. Prepare the chicken breasts. Add the chicken breasts to a large skillet, stock pot, or large pot in a single layer. Season with salt. Add garlic, peppercorns, and parsley if using. 
2. Add cold water and bring to a boil. Add enough water to cover the chicken completely. Cover the pot and bring it to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer. The boiling time is about 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove with a slotted spoon and let cool for a few minutes.
3. Shred or slice chicken to use in recipes or as is. If shredding, use two forks to pull apart the meat. Use in your favorite recipes or serve as is.

How long to boil chicken breasts?

Boiling boneless chicken breasts will take half the time of bone-in chicken breasts. Set the timer for boneless chicken breasts for 12 minutes then temp with a meat thermometer. If the internal temperature reaches 165°F, you are done with the boiling process. Start by bringing the water to a boil, then turn down the temperature to medium-high heat to finish poaching chicken.

Related: 20 Flavorful Kid-Friendly Chicken Breast Recipes

Tips and Tricks

• Flavor Enhancements: You can enhance the flavor of the boiled chicken by adding additional seasonings such as fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme), citrus (lemon, lime), or even a splash of chicken broth for added depth. You can add spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a bay leaf for and easy way to add extra flavor.
• Poaching vs. Boiling: Instead of a vigorous boil, aim for a gentle simmer. This will prevent the chicken from becoming tough and overcooked. The high heat of the poaching liquid at a rolling boil can cause the proteins in the chicken to seize up, resulting in a tougher texture.
• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is essential to ensure it’s safe to eat. Use a digital meat thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone.
• Resting Period: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after boiling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicy chicken and more flavorful outcome.
• Shredding Techniques: If you’re shredding the chicken, let it cool slightly before using forks to pull the meat apart. Alternatively, you can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for quicker shredding.
• Cooking Liquid: The water you use to boil the chicken can be enhanced with additional flavors. You can add sliced onions, carrots, celery, bay leaves, or other aromatics to the water for a more flavorful broth.
• Reuse Cooking Liquid: Don’t throw away the cooking liquid! It can be used as a base for chicken noodle soup, stews, or sauces, adding extra chicken flavor to your dishes.
• Choose any liquid for boiling – water, broth, apple cider vinegar, dry white wine or beer.
• Add vegetables to the skillet during boiling for an extra boost of flavor. Great way to use up any leftover vegetables (celery, carrots, onions) that are in the fridge.

Ways to use Boiled Chicken

Explore a variety of dishes that feature shredded chicken as the main ingredient. From the classic Chicken A La King to the savory Shredded Chicken Skillet Nachos, the possibilities are endless. Savor the goodness of a Shredded Chicken Quesadilla or spice things up with the Southwest Egg Roll Recipe prepared in an Air Fryer. Experience the satisfying crunch of Oven Baked Chicken Tacos or indulge in the comforting warmth of Gluten-Free Chicken Tortilla Soup. For a delightful twist, try the Chicken Bacon Ranch Tatertot Casserole, or dive into the zesty flavors of Dairy-Free Chicken Buffalo Dip. With these inventive recipes, shredded chicken takes center stage, promising a delightful culinary journey for every palate.

FAQs:

How To Store and Reheat Boiled Chicken

Place the leftover chicken into an air-tight container with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing cooked chicken is also a great idea. We like using Ziplock bags, removing the extra air, then placing it into the freezer. Frozen chicken is great to have on hand to avoid the cooking step in many recipes. Chicken can safely be kept in the freezer for up to 4 months before the quality starts to decrease.

You can reheat the cooked chicken in the microwave or place it into a skillet on medium-low heat. If you’re making something like soup, you can add the cold or frozen chicken right to the soup and let it heat while the soup cooks/heats.

How To Use The Chicken Broth

Did you know you can save the cooking liquid when boiling chicken? It is packed with SO much flavor and can be used in future rice, pasta, soup or casserole recipes. If needed, strain the broth prior to storing.

For storage, simply place in a container, jar or ice cube tray to store in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
• Chicken Salad
• Chicken Caesar Salad