How Long to Boil Chicken Breast

Boiling chicken breast is a simple and healthy way to prepare a versatile protein. It’s a go-to method for meal prepping, creating tender chicken for salads, or getting a base for hearty soups. Unlike other cooking methods that require fats and oils, boiling keeps the chicken lean. It also guarantees a moist and tender result when done correctly.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover exact cooking times, step-by-step instructions, and tips for getting perfectly cooked chicken every time. You will also find some great ideas for using your delicious boiled chicken.

Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Chicken Breast

Achieving perfectly boiled chicken is easy. Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy results that are ready to use in your favorite dishes.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start, gather your chicken and any aromatics you wish to use. Using broth or adding herbs and vegetables to the water infuses the chicken with flavor as it cooks. Consider adding a quartered onion, a few stalks of celery, carrots, a bay leaf, and whole peppercorns to the pot.

Step 2: Place Chicken in a Pot

Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of a large pot or Dutch oven. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If you have a lot of chicken, it’s better to cook it in batches.

Step 3: Add Liquid

Pour cold water or chicken broth over the chicken until it is covered by about one inch of liquid. Starting with cold water helps the chicken cook more evenly.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Reduce Heat and Simmer

Once the water boils, immediately reduce the heat to low. The liquid should maintain a gentle simmer, with small bubbles breaking the surface. Boiling the chicken too vigorously can make it tough and dry. Cover the pot with a lid.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

The most crucial step is ensuring your chicken is fully cooked. The only way to be certain is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cooking Times for Boiling Chicken Breast

The time it takes to boil chicken breast depends entirely on its size and whether it is boneless or bone-in. Overcooking will result in rubbery chicken, while undercooking is a food safety risk. Use these timeframes as a guide, but always confirm with a meat thermometer.

Small, Thin Cutlets (approx. 4-6 oz): 8 to 10 minutes

Medium, Standard Boneless Breasts (approx. 6-8 oz): 12 to 15 minutes

Large Boneless Breasts (approx. 10 oz or more): 15 to 20 minutes

Bone-In Chicken Breasts: 20 to 25 minutes

Remember, these are estimates. Start checking the temperature a few minutes before the minimum recommended time to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Perfectly Boiled Chicken

Follow these professional tips to elevate your boiled chicken from basic to fantastic.

Always Use a Meat Thermometer

We can’t stress this enough. Visual cues can be deceiving. A chicken breast might look cooked on the outside but still be raw in the middle. An internal temperature of 165°F is the gold standard for food safety and perfectly cooked poultry.

Don’t Boil Vigorously

Bringing the water to a boil and then immediately reducing it to a gentle simmer is key. A hard, rolling boil tightens the muscle fibers in the chicken, leading to a tough and rubbery texture. A gentle simmer cooks the chicken slowly and evenly, keeping it tender.

Add Flavor to Your Water

Plain boiled chicken can be bland. Infuse it with flavor by adding aromatics to your cooking liquid. Salt is essential, but you can also add:

Herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary

Vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery

Spices like whole peppercorns, garlic cloves, or a bay leaf

Let the Chicken Rest

Once the chicken reaches 165°F, remove it from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. If you cut into it immediately, the juices will run out, and the chicken will be drier.

How to Use Boiled Chicken

Boiled chicken is incredibly versatile. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a perfect blank canvas for countless recipes.

Shredded Chicken for Tacos and Sandwiches

One of the most popular uses for boiled chicken is shredding it. You can do this easily with two forks while the chicken is still warm. Shredded chicken is perfect for:

Chicken tacos or enchiladas

BBQ chicken sandwiches

Buffalo chicken dip

Diced Chicken for Salads and Soups

Dice the rested chicken into bite-sized cubes. This is an excellent way to add lean protein to your meals. Try using it in:

Classic chicken salad with mayonnaise and celery

Green salads for a quick and healthy lunch

Hearty chicken noodle soup or chicken and vegetable soup

Meal Prepping

Boil a batch of chicken breasts at the start of the week for easy meal prep. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can quickly add it to pastas, rice bowls, or wraps for a simple and nutritious meal.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently boil chicken breast for any occasion. This simple cooking method provides a healthy, tender protein ready for any recipe you can dream up.