If you're looking for a simple chicken recipe that makes meal prep easier, look no further than boiled chicken breasts. This cooking method is incredibly easy and results in perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Learn the easiest way to make juicy chicken breasts with only minimal ingredients!
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❤️ Why you'll love it
Boiled chicken is great for weeknight dinners and is an easy way to load up on more protein. This recipe is so versatile, and you can add boiled chicken to a variety of dishes, such as salads, stir fry, soup, curry, or stew dishes.
I love that I can make the chicken ahead of time, which shortens my cooking time. You can use your favorite spices, but you don't need a lot of spices when boiling chicken breast because it soaks up the flavor of whatever it's cooked in.
🥘 Equipment Used
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For flavorful chicken breasts, you don't need a lot of equipment. All you need is a large pot to hold the chicken breast and a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. For meal prep, an airtight container can come in handy for storing your cooked chicken.
🧾 Ingredients Used
For this recipe, you will need the following:
- Chicken breasts: I use boneless skinless chicken breast for this recipe, but you can also use bone-in chicken.
- Spices: Bouillon powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Chicken broth or water: To boil the chicken.
🔪 How To Make This Recipe
Boiling chicken is one of the best ways to cook chicken quickly and easily. Here are the step-by-step instructions to make juicy boneless chicken breasts every time.
- Place the boneless chicken breasts in a large pot and pour enough chicken broth or water to cover the chicken completely.
- Add the bouillon powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. When it reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, the chicken is done.
- Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- For shredded chicken, place the boiled chicken on a cutting board and use two forks to shred it.
🥫 Storing and Reheating
To store leftover chicken, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze boiled chicken breasts for up to 3 months.
💭 Expert Tips
When boiling chicken, it's important to use the right equipment and ingredients to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you make sure your chicken comes out juicy and delicious every time.
- If you have chicken broth, use it when boiling chicken for added flavor.
- To get an accurate temperature reading, use an instant-read thermometer to check if your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Meal prep ahead of time by boiling extra chicken, so you have cooked chicken on hand for easy meal ideas throughout the week.
- Use this easy homemade chicken seasoning for even more flavor.
- The cook time will vary depending on the type of chicken breast used. Boil boneless chicken breasts for 15 minutes and bone-in for 20 minutes.
- When boiling a whole chicken, the best way to do this is to cut them into pieces before cooking them. Boil the chicken pieces for at least 15 minutes, then use a fork to check for doneness. Some parts will take longer to cook than others. For instance, chicken thighs or chicken wings will take longer to cook than chicken breasts.
Recipe Variations
- There are plenty of variations if you're looking for a few different ways to cook chicken breasts. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Instant Pot: The Instant Pot is a great way to quickly and easily cook chicken breasts. Place the boneless chicken breasts into the Instant Pot with some chicken broth and spices. Pressure cook for about 20 minutes and quickly release the remaining pressure.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Bone-in Chicken Breasts: If you prefer bone-in chicken breasts, you can still boil them. This may take longer than boneless chicken breasts, so keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the desired temperature.
🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?
Chicken breasts are very versatile are go with a variety of recipes. You can add shredded chicken to a chicken salad or in a soup like this chicken noodle soup. Serve boiled chicken with any of the following sides:
👩🍳 Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to cook chicken breasts?
There are several ways to cook chicken breasts, and the best way will depend on how you want to use them. You can boil them, air fry or deep fry them, or bake them in the oven.
What type of chicken breasts should I use?
Boneless chicken breasts are best for boiling. You can also use bone-in chicken breasts, but cooking time may vary. Whole chickens can also be boiled, but it requires a longer cooking time.
How long does it take to boil chicken breasts?
It typically takes about 15 minutes to boil boneless chicken breasts. However, bone-in chicken breasts may take up to 20 minutes or longer.
Can I boil chicken in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can boil chicken in an instant pot. You will need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type and size of chicken you are using, but 20 minutes is a good starting point.
Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Absolutely! For this recipe, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you might need to boil them slightly longer.
📚 Related Recipes
Need more chicken dishes? Next time, try these!
📖 Recipe
How To Boil Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Place the boneless chicken breasts in a large pot and pour enough chicken broth or water to cover the chicken completely.
- Add the bouillon powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. When it reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, the chicken is done.
- Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- For shredded chicken, place the boiled chicken on a cutting board and use two forks to shred it.
Notes
- Meal prep ahead of time by boiling extra chicken, so you have cooked chicken on hand for easy meal ideas throughout the week.
- Use this easy homemade chicken seasoning for even more flavor.
- The cook time will vary depending on the type of chicken breast used. Boil boneless chicken breasts for 15 minutes and bone-in for 20 minutes.
- When boiling a whole chicken, the best way to do this is to cut them into pieces before cooking them. Boil the chicken pieces for at least 15 minutes, then use a fork to check for doneness. Some parts will take longer to cook than others. For instance, chicken thighs or chicken wings will take longer to cook than chicken breasts.
Nutrition
Tayo Oredola is the founder of Low Carb Africa, where she shares healthy, low carb dishes with global flavors. She is passionate about teaching people how to cook drool-worthy dishes while losing weight and living their best lives. Tayo’s recipes have been featured on MSN, Women’s Health, Parade, Yahoo News, Pure Wow, Essence, and other online publications.
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