How Long To Boil A Whole Chicken

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Curious about how long to boil a whole chicken? It’s quicker than you think, and it yields multiple meals! Get ready for your recipe win of the week!

Whole Boiled Chicken is perfect for making homemade chicken stock, homemade chicken broth, and tender chicken with delicious, flavorful juice. This boiled chicken recipe is simple to do.

You can turn it into several delicious recipes like chicken salad, shredded chicken for tacos, quesadillas, and pizza, or just for a sandwich.

Boiled chicken is an ideal option for a diet, as the fat from the skin and meat boils off, leaving behind lean, tender meat that is consistently juicy. Say goodbye to concerns about dry chicken, as this method ensures a deliciously moist outcome.

With just a chicken and a handful of fresh vegetables and herbs, you’ll be reluctant to cook chicken any other way once you’ve mastered this technique.

Looking to jazz up your chicken game even more? Check out our guide on boiling chicken tenders or our guide on boiling chicken thighs that turn out perfect!

Yeap, you can easily create a well-balanced meal on those hectic weeknights by pairing this boiled chicken recipe with the quick and simple methods for cooking canned carrots and peas.

Why Make This Boiled Whole Chicken

• Simple and Quick – Master the art of boiling a whole chicken effortlessly, ensuring a speedy yet flavorsome meal prep.
• Economical – Made with easily accessible, everyday pantry ingredients, this recipe guarantees a delicious, economical meal.
• Customizable – Personalize the flavor profile of the chicken to suit individual preferences, making it an appealing dish for everyone at the table.
• Beloved Classic – Loved universally, chicken remains a staple in various cuisines, and this simple boiled chicken, with its delectable taste, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser on any occasion.

For an irresistible serving of juicy boiled whole chicken, get your hands on a trusty Dutch pot, and let’s rock and roll! This fail-safe recipe is your ticket to learn how long to boil a whole chicken to serve up a tasty main or side dish that will add some pizzazz to your table.

Ingredient Notes

• Whole chicken – The main ingredient for this recipe is a whole chicken.
• Large onion, celery stalks, and large carrots – These are used to create a flavorful cooking broth.
• Garlic cloves – A flavor-packed addition to take the taste experience to the next level!
• Poultry seasoning, fresh sage leaves, rosemary, thyme, parsley – These fresh herbs and seasoning contribute to the rich flavor.
• Pink peppercorns, dill, celery root, lemon – Additional ingredients for adding taste and a hint of citrusy zest to the dish.
• Coarse salt – salt is essential to the overall taste of the dish.
• Water – Used for boiling the chicken and creating the base of the cooking broth.

Ready to learn how long to boil a whole chicken? Gather up those ingredients and I will show you….

How To Boil A Whole Chicken

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Place the chicken in a large stockpot, adding salt, fresh herbs, and seasonings. Include the vegetables and enough water to cover everything by an inch.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce it to a gentle boil, cooking the chicken for 90 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the vegetables to one bowl and the chicken to another, removing the meat from the bones once cooled.
4. Strain the chicken broth using a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, discarding any chicken bones and vegetable scraps.
5. Store the broth in a lidded jar, utilizing the cooked chicken and vegetables in various dishes such as soups or salads.

Expert Tips

• Make sure the chicken reaches 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C with a meat thermometer.
• When straining, be sure to get all the bones out of the broth if you are using it for soup.
• You will need a very big pot for this recipe. You need enough room for the chicken and enough water to cover it by one inch.
• After it starts to boil, turn the boiling water to low heat so it cooks at a gentle boil. Boiling chicken at a high rolling boil can give your chicken a rubbery texture.
• Shorten prep time so you don’t need to peel the carrots and prep other vegetables unless you plan to use them afterward.
• Pour leftover chicken broth into ice cube trays and then put them into freezer bags. Then you can use however much you need when you need it.
• To easily remove the fat from the broth, let it chill overnight, and all the fat will rise to the top in one solid layer.

Delicious Variations

• Other cuts – Feel free to use other cuts of meat instead of a whole chicken, such as boneless chicken breasts, chicken wings, or thighs. However, the cooking time will be different. Boneless chicken will take about 20 minutes to cook, while bone-in chicken takes about 30 minutes.
• More fresh herbs – Toss in whatever you like, including bay leaves, fennel, cumin, cardamom, and cloves. Everything tastes good with chicken. 
• Making broth – If you use this recipe for broth, you can freeze the chicken. Just let it cool and remove the meat. Then, place it in a freezer bag, which can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. 
• Spicy stock – Add a jalapeno pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the water for spicy chicken stock or broth. It also gives your chicken meat a slightly spicy flavor.
• Add other vegetables – Add whatever veggies you like, such as corn, green beans, asparagus, bell peppers, or tomatoes. 
• Hearty meal – You can add rice or pasta to make a hearty meal.

Prep And Storage

• Store – You can store your leftover boiled chicken in an airtight container for several days and chicken broth in a sealed jar for up to a week in the fridge.
• Freeze – You can freeze your boiled chicken for up to three months in a freezer bag or another freezer-safe container. Chicken broth can be saved in jars or another freezer-safe container.
• Thaw – Thaw frozen leftover chicken in the fridge overnight for best results. Frozen chicken broth can also be thawed overnight.
• Reheat – To reheat the chicken, microwave for one to three minutes, depending on how much you reheat. Chicken broth can be microwaved or boiled.

FAQs

Need More Chicken Recipes

Looking for a delicious chicken dinner for tonight? Then head on over to these Chicken Recipes everyone will love. Or you can start with these below;

• Air Fryer Whole Chicken.
• Crockpot Whole Chicken.
• How Long To Boil Chicken Thighs.
• How Long To Boil Chicken Legs.
• How Long To Boil Chicken Tenders.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe is a versatile dish that pairs well with all your favorite sides! Here are some of my preferred choices;

• Remove the chicken breasts and use them for chicken lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or cranberry chicken salad.
• Use chicken broth for soups, stews, and this delicious brown gravy.
• Chop up the cooked chicken and use it for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas for an easy Mexican night or Taco Tuesday.
• Add them with cornbread casserole and

Recommended Tools

• An awesome dutch oven to ensure even cooking of your meat.
• This handy instant-read Meat thermometer ensures your chicken is properly cooked.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 9 Blue Plan Smart Points in one serving of this.

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