Boiled chicken is easy to make and once cooled it can be sliced, shredded or chopped, ready to use in sandwiches, salads, pies, and any recipe that calls for cooked chicken. The method is similar to poached chicken, but the cooking time is faster, as instead of cooking over a low heat, you bring the water to the boil, then reduce it to medium for a fast simmer.
Boiled chicken recipe
Place chicken breast fillets in a saucepan. Add enough water or chicken stock to cover. You can also add onion, celery and carrot to flavour the water if you are planning to use the broth as well as the chicken. Bring to the boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the cooking liquid, set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes, then shred, slice or chop as required.
How long does boiled chicken keep for?
You can make boiled chicken ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge
Can you overcook boiled chicken?
You’ll know if your boiled chicken is overcooked, because the texture will be rubbery. If you’re not sure if your chicken is cooked through, you can test if with a meat thermometer – the temperature should read 75C. You can also use a skewer; insert it in the thickest part of the chicken and if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. If the juices run pink, give it a little longer. If in any doubt, cut the chicken at the thickest part to make sure that the meat is white, not pink.
Should I pre-cook chicken for soup?
There are many recipes that cook chicken in a soup mixture, and others that add cooked chicken to the broth. The great thing about boiling chicken is you can add flavours and aromatics to the water or stock and then use it as the base for soup. If you’re doing this, remove the cooked chicken, allow to rest for 10 minutes, then shred and add as much as you like to the broth. Save any leftovers for other meals.
Top recipes using boiled chicken
- Chicken mornay
- Creamy chicken, mushroom and leek pie
- Poached chicken
- Easy creamy chicken pasta
- Coconut poached chicken salad
- Creamy French chicken potato bake
- Barbecue chicken pizza
- Chicken noodle soup
