How to Boil Chicken Breasts
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Additional Time
5 mins
-
Total Time
25 mins
-
Servings
2 breasts
-
Calories
269 kcal
-
Cuisine
American
How to Boil Chicken Breasts
Description
To boil chicken breasts, place them in a saucepan and cover with chicken broth or water enriched with celery, sliced onion, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning or fresh herbs. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer so the liquid barely bubbles. Cooking times vary by breast size: about 12-15 minutes for boneless breasts, longer for bone-in, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
After cooking, rest the chicken for 5 minutes before shredding or chopping as desired. The gentle simmer and aromatics help maintain moisture and add subtle flavor to the chicken. Strain the cooking liquid to use later in soups or rice preparation, adding utility beyond the cooked meat.
Boiling chicken breasts this way produces a versatile cooked protein, suitable for salads, casseroles, tacos, or sandwiches. The method prioritizes tenderness and flavor retention through controlled simmering.
Adjust cooking times based on breast size and monitor temperature to avoid overcooking, which can make the chicken tough.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast 7 oz each, boneless skinless
- 2 cups chicken broth or water, more as needed
- 1 rib celery cut in 2" chunks
- ¼ medium onion sliced ½-inch thick
- salt
- black pepper
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning or 2 sprigs of fresh parsley, sage, or 1 sprig rosemary
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a medium saucepan and add broth or water to just about cover the breasts.
- Add celery, onion, salt, pepper, and seasoning to the pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover and reduce heat to a gentle simmer, the liquid should be lightly bubbling.
- Cook boneless chicken breasts for about 12-15 minutes or bone in chicken breasts for 25-30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the cooking liquid and rest for at least 5 minutes. Shred or chop as desired.
- Strain the cooking liquid and use in soups or even as a cooking liquid for rice.
Notes
- Cooking times depend on the size of chicken breasts; larger pieces need longer cooking.
- Maintain a gentle simmer to keep chicken tender; too high heat can toughen the meat.
- Customize seasoning with herbs or spices to your preference added during simmering.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2breasts
Amount Per Serving
Calories 269 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 269 | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1202mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 836mg | 18% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 568IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
