Boiling chicken time varies depending on the cut and whether it is bone-in or boneless, fresh or frozen:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: about 8 to 15 minutes. Thinner cutlets take around 8 minutes, larger breasts up to 15 minutes
- Bone-in chicken breasts: about 20 to 30 minutes
- Boneless chicken thighs: about 10 to 15 minutes
- Bone-in chicken thighs: about 15 to 25 minutes for firm meat, and up to 40-60 minutes if you want fall-apart tender meat for shredding
- Drumsticks and wings: 20 to 45 minutes depending on size and bone-in status
- Whole chicken: 60 to 90 minutes
For frozen chicken, cooking time is roughly 50% longer than fresh. For example, frozen boneless breasts take about 20-30 minutes, bone-in breasts 45-60 minutes
. Key tips for boiling chicken:
- Start with cold water or broth and bring to a boil together with the chicken to ensure even cooking
- Once boiling, reduce heat to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to avoid tough meat
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Rest the chicken after cooking for juicier results
In summary, boiling boneless chicken breasts usually takes about 10-15 minutes, bone-in pieces take longer (20-30 minutes or more), and frozen chicken requires more time. Always confirm doneness with a thermometer for safety and best texture
