How to Boil Chicken

Name: How to Boil Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds cut up chicken pieces (✅); 2 teaspoons salt (optional); 1 tablespoon peppercorns (optional)

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Learn how to boil chicken which is a straightforward process that yields perfectly cooked meat. Whether you plan to use it in a recipe or enjoy it as a standalone dish with your favorite sides, following these simple steps will help you make boiled chicken perfect each time.

Learning how long to boil chicken is a foolproof way to keep chicken juicy and tender with minimal effort and time. You can even boil frozen chicken. Easily add to the dinner menu any night of the week!

For more protein-packed dinner ideas, try our Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops, Beef Tenderloin Recipe, How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer and Stuffed Pepper Soup with Sausage.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

3 pounds cut-up chicken pieces ✅
2 teaspoons salt optional
1 tablespoon peppercorns 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.

raw pieces of chicken in a large stockpot

peppercorns and pieces of chicken boiling in pot

How To Make Boiled Chicken

From boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs to tenders, legs or a whole chicken, you can boil any cut of chicken to have a quick and easy dinner protein.

Boiling chicken is a straightforward and versatile cooking method that yields tender, juicy meat suitable for a variety of dishes. By preparing a flavorful simmering liquid and allowing the chicken to cook gently, you can achieve delicious results. In this guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of boiling chicken, including how long to boil chicken and tips to enhance its taste and repurpose the leftover stock. With these instructions, you’ll be able to master the art of boiling chicken and create easy meals that will impress your family.

Make it your go-to cooking method the next time you need shredded chicken for tacos, casseroles, chicken salad, enchiladas, soups or a lazy dinner entree.

Let’s get started. Place the cut-up chicken (may use a whole chicken or any other cut of chicken) into a large stockpot.

Fill the stockpot with water covering the chicken pieces with about an inch of water. Add the salt and peppercorns if using. Place the lid onto the stockpot.

How Long To Boil Chicken

Bring the water to a boil then reduce heat to a low boil, cover the pot, and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the size.

The slow, gentle simmering allows the meat to gradually tenderize while infusing it with the flavors of any seasonings you’ve added to the pot. Rapid boiling might result in the exterior of the chicken becoming overcooked or dry while the interior remains undercooked. To ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat, it’s advisable to use a kitchen thermometer. Checking the internal temperature guarantees that your chicken has reached the appropriate level of doneness, which is 165°F for poultry.

Remove the chicken pieces

Using tongs, remove the chicken pieces. Use the leftover cooking liquid as a broth for a soup base.

Let the chicken cool then remove the meat from the bones and use it in a favorite recipe or serve as is.

boiled chicken removed from stockpot with tongs

Ways To Use Boiled Chicken

As mentioned, boiled chicken can be served as the main entree or shredded for recipes. Here are few kid-friendly meals that can easily be tossed together once the chicken is cooked.

How to Season Chicken

Plain chicken can be seasoned to perfection before being paired with a side dish such as roasted vegetables, steamed veggies, potatoes or rice. Check out these simple ways to add flavor to any chicken from a boneless chicken breast to bone in chicken thighs.

Lemon – add lemon slices to the water as the chicken simmers or squeeze fresh lemon juice on top of cooked chicken.
Fresh herbs – add rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano or parsley as a garnish before serving.
Spices – dry ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika or your favorite spice blend can be sprinkled on chicken after cooking.
Garlic – add smashed garlic cloves to the broth or top cooked chicken with roasted garlic or garlic powder.
Sauce – drizzle buffalo sauce, Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, bbq, siracha, hot sauce, honey mustard on top or use as a dipping sauce.

cooked chicken thighs on a cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

How to shred chicken?

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. You can also shred chicken by placing into a bowl and using two forks to pull the chicken from the bone or shred boneless chicken.

How long is cooked chicken good for?

It is good for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 month in the freezer. Add a printable label if freezing to help keep meal prep organized.

What is the proper internal temperature of chicken when done?

The internal temperature should always be 165°F before serving.

How to use leftover broth?

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.

How to thaw chicken?

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.

Why did my chicken come out dry?

When boiling chicken, there are a few common reasons why it may turn out dry: overcooking, lack of seasoning, low-fat content, high cooking temperature, poor chicken quality, and thick chicken breasts.

What’s the white stuff floating in the water?

The white stuff floating in the water when boiling chicken is foam caused by proteins and impurities released during cooking. Skim it off or blanch the chicken beforehand to reduce the foam. It’s harmless.

How To Cook Chicken

If on the search for more ways to cook chicken, we have you covered when it comes to baking, pressure cooking, air frying and slow cooking. Every single one of these recipes will walk you through how to easily cook chicken to your liking.

Other Boiled Chicken Recipes

Baked

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

Crockpot

Crockpot Chicken Legs
Crockpot Chicken Thighs

top down shot of boiled chicken in a bowl

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Use a meat thermometer to temp the internal temperature of chicken (should be 165°F) before serving.
Place the chicken in the large stockpot or Dutch oven then add the water. Always ask for help when transferring a stockpot with water from the sink to the stove.
Set a kitchen timer once you add the chicken as a reminder to check the chicken periodically as it cooks.

Storing Boiled Chicken

In the fridge: Store for up to 3 days in a covered container.

In the freezer: Store for up to 3 months in a covered container or Ziploc bag. Store whole or shred prior to freezing.

Reheating Instructions

Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments until hot. Reheat chicken whole or shredded.

Oven: Place in a baking dish into a preheated oven (350°F) for 5-7 minutes or until hot.

In a recipe: Follow the desired recipe as written when adding in leftover chicken.

More Quick Chicken Dinner Ideas

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.

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