The boiling time for chicken depends on the cut and whether it is bone-in or boneless:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 10 to 15 minutes of simmering after the water boils
- Bone-in chicken breasts: Approximately 20 to 30 minutes
- Boneless chicken thighs: Around 10 to 15 minutes
- Bone-in chicken thighs: 20 to 25 minutes for just done, or up to 40-60 minutes for very tender, shreddable meat
- Chicken tenderloins: About 12 to 15 minutes
- Whole chicken: 60 to 90 minutes
For frozen chicken, add about 50% more cooking time than fresh chicken
. Key tips:
- Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to avoid toughening the meat
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking for juicier results
- Check doneness by cutting into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear and meat is opaque white
In summary, boiling boneless chicken breasts typically takes about 10-15 minutes, bone-in pieces take longer (20-30 minutes), and whole chickens require up to 90 minutes, always simmering rather than boiling vigorously and confirming doneness with a thermometer