How Long to Boil a Whole Chicken For

One recipe with a multitude of meal possibilities!

Table of Contents

Have you ever wondered how long to boil a whole chicken for, or how chicken broth is made? Well, this recipe hits two birds with one stone! Not only does it help you cook a whole chicken to perfection, but it also leaves you with the heartiest homemade broth!

While at first, the process might sound strange or difficult, boiling chicken is actually a convenient and simple process. All you do is combine the ingredients in a pot, bring it to a boil, and let the flavors mix and mingle for 90 minutes. The result? A succulent chicken dinner to feed the whole family, and a mouthwatering broth that you can turn into gravy, or save for later to incorporate into future dinners. In a way, this is “One recipe to rule them all!”

Is Boiled Chicken Healthy?

Let’s face it: you have no control over the seasonings and oils most pre-cooked meats and packaged broths are cooked with, and at the end of the day, they never taste as good as the homemade stuff. This recipe yields enough chicken to feed a family of at least three people, and it’s packed with nutrients from the lean protein to the vitamins and minerals infused into the broth from the veggies.

While the chicken is delicious and nutritious by itself, the leftover broth is truly liquid gold. This is because any nutrients lost from the meat and veggies during the cooking process go straight into the water, making the broth the perfect nutritious base for soups or stews.

Even better: this recipe is gluten-free, sugar-free, and keto-friendly.

Can I add seasonings to the boiling water?

The sky is the limit when thinking of what to add to the water! Many vegetables impart subtle but deep flavors into the final broth, so I always start with the basics: carrots, onions and celery. To add more anti-inflammatory properties and nutrients, fresh ginger and turmeric are great additions, as well as fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and even the leaves from carrot tops. You can also add warming, earthy flavors from dried whole spices like peppercorns, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds.

INGREDIENTS

1 whole chicken (approximately 4 to 5 pounds)
Water (enough to cover the chicken)
2 teaspoons salt
1 large onion, quartered
2 carrots, cut into large chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
1 bay leaf
10 whole black peppercorns

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Clean and set up chicken in pot.

Cook

Boil and simmer chicken with vegetables and seasonings.

Finish

Cool chicken, strain and reserve broth.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

After boiling, you can either separate the chicken meat from the bones to slice or shred, or you can cut the chicken into pieces like breasts, thighs, wings, and drumsticks. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The broth can be stored in the same way, just make sure to strain it through a strainer or cheesecloth so there are no bits. Shredded chicken can also be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

How do I avoid overcooking?

When a chicken is boiled for too long or at too high of a temperature, the texture becomes rubbery and tough rather than tender and juicy. I recommend keeping a food thermometer handy so you can check that it’s cooked all the way through. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F (which will be around the 90-minute mark), pull out the chicken and continue the recipe instructions.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken?

You can, but it will take a little longer than 90 minutes to cook. This is where that meat thermometer comes in handy again, so you’ll know it’s done when it reaches 165°F. It’s such an easy and efficient tool to have in your kitchen arsenal!

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve slices of the boiled chicken with Rice Pilaf or Steamed Sweet Potatoes. There’s also a traditional Chinese dish from the island province of Hainan called Hainan chicken, which is a poached chicken served with a flavorful broth, dipping sauce, and often accompanied by Steamed Rice or noodles. Serve your boiled chicken with this Szechuan Sauce for a flavor experience inspired by Hainan chicken!

We also can’t forget the brilliant broth, which you can use in nearly any soup or stew. I recommend getting creative and incorporating it into this creamy White Chicken Chili—perfect for warming up on a cold night. This recipe also calls for shredded chicken, so you can use up your leftovers!