Boiled chicken is a simple, healthy, & tasty food that is very easy to cook. One can eat the meat with sauces, spices, red chilli flakes, oregano, chaat masala, etc. Also, there are varieties of recipes that use boiled chicken as the base such as soup, salad, sandwiches, broth, and toe-healthy bowls. The food is very light, wholesome and convenient. Whether you are eating it as a diet plan or when recovering from an illness or whenever you are craving a bland meal.
What is Boiled Chicken?
Simply put, boiled chicken refers to chicken that is boiled for a while in water or broth that is seasoned as per the taste. Boiled chicken is different from gravy or fried chicken because it’s cooked in water, not oil. It has a very soft texture and a mild, light taste.
What makes it unique?
You only need minimal ingredients to prepare the chicken and you will get to enjoy the magic. You can shred the boiled chicken or just slice it and eat it by pan frying it with your other recipes. It is a good addition to a healthy salad, soup and other healthy meals prepared in a bowl or as a sandwich.
Below are different styles of boiled chicken from different cuisines of the world.
- Indian: with turmeric, ginger, garlic, pepper and bay leaf
- Chinese: with spring onion, ginger, and sesame notes
- Western Broth: with carrots, celery, thyme, and parsley
- Middle Eastern: with cinnamon, cardamom, whole peppercorn
- Korean: boiled chicken served with broth, garlic, and rice (samgyetang style)
Each region provides its unique taste, but the heart of the dish remains simple and wholesome.
Why You’ll Love Boiled Chicken Recipe?
- No-effort cooking: Just one pot is needed with simple ingredients
- Perfect tendering: Chicken is boiled just enough
- Healthy/Protein/Diet: Great for body building, weight loss, and healthy eating
- Customisable base: After boiling the chicken, it can be added to salads, sandwiches, noodles, and curry, which creates a full meal around it
- Budget friendly: You prepare it once and can use it throughout the entire week
- Comforting: Light, warm, and soothing, just perfect for all days
Boiled Chicken Ingredients
1. Meat & Produce
- 1 kg chicken (with bone or boneless)
- 1 medium onion, cut into halves
- 5-6 garlic cloves
- 1-inch ginger, sliced
- 1 carrot (optional; adds sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
2. Whole Spices & Seasonings
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1 tsp salt (adjust as required)
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional for colour)
- Water – enough to fully submerge chicken
Tips on Choosing Chicken
- With bone: Results in a richer broth & juicier meat
- Boneless: Cooks faster. Ideal for salads, pasta, sandwiches, and wraps
- With skin: Adds extra flavour and richness to the stock
Instructions | How to cook boiled chicken
Preparation
- Cut the chicken into smaller portions and thoroughly wash
- Drain excess water
- Fry onion first until it turns golden, then prepare the sliced ginger and peeled garlic
- In order to have a quicker simmering process, prepare your vegetables and spices
- If you are using boneless chicken, chop it into medium sized cubes to allow it to cook evenly
Cooking Steps
- Put chicken into a large and deep pot, arranging it evenly to avoid over or undercooking some pieces
- Adding onion, ginger, garlic, and bay leaf and a few whole black peppercorns and a carrot if you want, all for seasoning
- Cover the chicken fully in the hot water as it makes the water to boil further quickly, and the chicken stays tender
- Bring to a rolling boil, and if you see foam, s kim it to keep the broth clean
- Cover the pot, turn the heat to low flame, and let it cook very gently
Boned chicken should boil for 30 minutes, boneless for 20 minutes, and a whole chicken should boil for 45 minutes. The key to a whole chicken is keeping the heat low to keep the chicken juicy.
Check Doneness
For the chicken to be considered as completed, it must be:
- Soft
- Shred easily
- Completely white
Take out the chicken from the broth to use it later for soups, gravies, etc.
Boiled Chicken Variations
1. Plain Traditional Boiled Chicken
Salt, chicken, and water. Since this is the most basic version, it’s great for diets and recovery
2. Indian Style Boiled Chicken
Turmeric, cumin seeds, ginger-garlic, and green chili (optional). This is light and adds flavour
3. Herb Infused Western Broth Chicken
Thyme, rosemary, parsley, carrot, and celery. This is a soup-style chicken and has a great aroma
4. Chinese Poached Chicken
Ginger, spring onion, and light soy (optional). This gives you tender chicken with a smooth texture
5. Coconut Water Boiled Chicken
You replace the water with coconut water which has a mild sweetness with a great aroma
6. Pressure Cooker Method
2 whistles for boneless, 4 whistles for with bone chicken. This is a quick, effective method great for batch cooking
Serving Suggestions
Boiled chicken goes well with:
- Steamed rice or cumin rice
- Vegetable stir-fry
- Chicken bone broth
- Salads
- Chicken sandwiches/wraps
- Pasta & noodles
- Quinoa or millet bowls
- Mashed potatoes
- A drizzle of olive oil, pepper & lemon juice
This food is excellent for a light lunch, fitness meals, children’s meals, or meals for recovery.
Expert Tips & Recipe Notes
To Get Moist & Juicy Chicken:
- After boiling, let it simmer on low
- Don’t overcook it, this will dry out the meat
- If necessary, add hot water to preserve tenderness
For a Clean & Aromatic Broth:
- Remove the foam that forms on the water’s surface
- For depth of flavour, include deep flavoured ingredients such as onion, garlic, and carrot
- Be careful not to oversalt the broth as seasoning can always be adjusted at a later time
Shredding & Storage Tips
- While the chicken is still warm, shred it and remove the broth
- You can freeze the shredded chicken for two months
Troubleshooting
- Chicken is dry: You simmered it too hot; boil at a lower temp next time
- Broth is murky: you didn’t skim the foam. It’s still safe to use though
- Too salty: Add water or a slice of potato during boiling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How is boiled chicken stored?
A. In case of storing chicken in the fridge, boiled chicken is kept in an airtight container where it stays fresh for about 3 days
Q. How long is boiled chicken good for in the freezer?
A. Boiled chicken freezes well and can be stored for 2 months. Shredded boiled chicken is the best form to store it for long time
Q. How can I utilise boiled chicken broth?
A. Boiled chicken broth can be used for soups, curries, sambhar, ramen, or pulao or can be enjoyed alone as a warm drink rich in protein
Q. Is there a way to keep boiled chicken moist?
A. You can keep it moist by cooking on a low flame
Q. Can boiled chicken be made with spice?
A. Of course! You can spice it with chili flakes, black pepper, ginger, or even whole green chilies
Q. How soon can you prepare boiled chicken?
A. The preparation is very flexible with boiled chicken. It can be made in advance, stored, and used for different meals you plan in the week
Q. Is it good to eat boiled chicken for diet/gym?
A. Yes! It is a healthy choice for weight loss & muscle gain since it is a lean protein with low-fat and is easy to digest
