Introduction
How long should chicken thighs be boiled? It’s not just you. This is a frequently asked question, and the response varies depending on who you speak to. Chicken thighs are a terrific alternative if you’re searching for a quick, wholesome supper.
Learning “how long does it take to boil chicken thighs” is crucial whether you’re cooking chicken thighs for the first time or you simply want to be sure you’re doing it right.
Contrary to popular belief, boiling chicken is a healthful and convenient method for preparing fowl. You can have soft and juicy chicken thighs in no time with a little preparation work and a pot of boiling water.
In this blog article, we’ll discuss the many techniques for boiling chicken thighs as well as the ideal amount of time to boil chicken thighs for consistently delicious results.
We’ll also provide some advice on how to prepare chicken thighs that are fully cooked and juicy. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll understand precisely “how long do you boil chicken thighs” to make them consistently soft and tasty.
Boiling chicken thighs without the bones

Your chicken thighs will cook more rapidly if they are boneless and skinless than if they are bone-in or have skin on. Boiling time for 5 pieces of boneless chicken thighs should be between 10 and 15 minutes (about 2.2 pounds or 1 kilogram) (apply to the fresh chicken thigh and not frozen). It’s vital to keep in mind that the chicken requires an extra 5 minutes of cooking time if you want to shred it, making it extremely soft and easy to do so.
Boiling chicken thighs with the bone

Cooking time for bone-in chicken thighs is a little bit longer than for boneless thighs. Boiling 5 pieces of bone-in chicken thighs should take, on average, 15 to 20 minutes (about 2.2 pounds or 1 kilogram) (using fresh chicken thighs or fully thawed). Make sure to take your chicken from the saucepan of boiling water as soon as it is thoroughly cooked so that it doesn’t continue to cook.
As you can see, depending on whether the chicken thighs are bone-in or boneless, the boiling time might vary.
It’s essential to remember that these cooking times are just estimates, and depending on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs, it might take your chicken less or more time to cook completely.
Use a meat thermometer to determine for sure if your chicken is done. When chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is finished cooking and safe to consume.
How long do frozen chicken thighs take to boil?

You can boil chicken thighs directly from freezer if you’re wondering how to cook chicken thighs from frozen. Your chicken doesn’t need to be thawed beforehand. However, compared to beginning with fresh or frozen chicken, the cooking time will be increased by 50%.
To make sure frozen bone-in chicken thighs are well cooked, we advise boiling them for 40 to 50 minutes. You must boil boneless, frozen chicken thighs for 35 to 45 minutes if you’re using them.
Why Should Chicken Thighs Be Boiled?
Cooking your chickens by boiling the thighs is a healthy and simple method. The advantages of boiling chicken thighs are numerous:
First off, preparing chicken by boiling uses little calories. Boiling chicken is healthier than frying or sautéing since there is no need to add butter or oil.
Second, cooking chicken in water helps the meat’s nutrients stay intact. When you boil chicken, vitamins and minerals that are leached from the flesh are dissolved into the water. Boiling chicken is a more nutrient-dense cooking choice than other cooking techniques since these nutrients are then incorporated back into the flesh while it cooks.
Third, cooking chicken in a pot of boiling water is a quick and simple method. It may be completed in just a few minutes and needs very little preparation time. Due of this, it’s a fantastic choice for hectic weeknights or times when you don’t have time to prepare a sophisticated dinner.
Fourthly, flesh from boiled chicken is moist and soft. Chicken thighs that have been properly boiled will be fully cooked yet still moist and tasty.
Chicken may be cooked in a variety of ways, including by boiling. To flavor the meat while it cooks, you may add various herbs or spices to the water. The cooked chicken may also be used in a wide range of dishes, including salads, soups, and casseroles.
How Are Chicken Thighs Prepared?

1. Remove any extra fat from your chicken thighs by washing them in cold water.
2. If the chicken thighs are not all the same size, cut them into even pieces. They will cook more evenly as a result.
3. There is no preparation required if you use boneless chicken thighs. Simply cook the chicken by submerging it in a kettle of water.
4. You must remove the skin off bone-in chicken thighs before cooking them. Simply slice the skin around the thigh with a sharp knife to do this. Avoid cutting into the actual meat while cutting. After scoring the skin, it ought to effortlessly come off the flesh with little effort.
5. Add your prepared chicken to a saucepan of boiling water. Make careful to cover the chicken completely with water before adding it.
Advice on Handling Raw Chicken Safely
1. After handling raw chicken, always wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Make careful to clean any surfaces, such as worktops, cutting boards, and knives that come into touch with raw chicken.
3. For chopping up raw chicken and other items, use a different cutting board.
4. Keep raw chicken away from other food items in your kitchen to prevent cross-contamination.
5. Make careful to throw away any marinade you used if it has touch with raw chicken.
How should chicken thighs be spiced?
1. One benefit of boiling chicken is that it may be seasoned to any taste. To flavor the chicken while it cooks, you may add whatever herbs or spices you choose to the water. Garlic, onion, bay leaves, or thyme are a few excellent choices.
2. You may just season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking it if you want to keep things easy.
3. We advise adding a bouillon cube to the water when using frozen chicken thighs to help give the chicken more flavor.
4. When the chicken is finished cooking, you may add any extra seasonings or sauces you choose.
5. You may eat boiled chicken on its own or include it into a number of dishes. Salads, soups, and casseroles are some common choices.
How To Perfectly Boil Chicken Thighs?

Let’s dive into the specifics of how to boil chicken thighs now that we’ve covered all the fundamentals. Putting chicken thighs in a saucepan of cold water and bringing it to a boil is the ideal method for cooking them. The meat will cook more uniformly and won’t dry out as a result of this. The steps for boiling chicken thighs are as follows:
1. Place the chicken thighs in a large Dutch oven or saucepan.
2. The chicken should be covered by 1-2 inches of water in the pot.
3. To flavor the meat, add salt and any other herbs or spices you choose.
4. Over high heat, bring the water in the saucepan to a boil.
5. When the water reaches a rolling boil, lower the heat to a low setting and simmer the chicken for 10-15 minutes for boneless chicken or 15-20 minutes for bone-in chicken.
6. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is fully cooked.
7. With a slotted spoon, take the chicken from the saucepan after it is fully cooked and set it aside on a plate or cutting board to rest.
8. Before chopping the chicken into pieces or using it in your preferred dish, let it five to ten minutes to cool. Enjoy!
You can see that boiling chicken thighs is a quick and easy procedure. Just be careful to monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking and dry chicken.
How Can I Faster Boil Chicken Thighs?

There are a few techniques to expedite the boiling process if time is of the essence.
Before cooking, one technique is to chop the chicken into smaller pieces. As a result, the chicken will cook more quickly overall since more of its surface area will be in contact with the water. Moreover, you have the option of cooking the chicken at a higher temperature. Just be sure you watch it carefully to prevent overcooking.
Another option is to heat the water in the saucepan until it is boiling before adding the chicken. The total cooking time will be cut by a few minutes as a result. However, since it may result in the chicken drying out, this procedure is not advised. If you decide to use this technique, be sure to adjust the cooking time appropriately.
Finally, you may cook your chicken thighs in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. This process is really quick. Just be careful to adhere to the pressure cooker’s directions to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Different Ways to Boil Chicken Thighs
While cooking chicken thighs in the boiling water is the simplest and safest approach, there are a few other ways you may prepare your fowl. Here are a few different ways to prepare chicken thighs:
1. When using the microwave, put your chicken thighs in a dish that is microwave-safe and cover them with water by one to two inches. Check the internal temperature of the chicken after 5 minutes on high in the microwave. Up until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, microwave the chicken for one additional minute at a time.
2. 1-2 cups of water or chicken broth should be added to the slow cooker along with the chicken thighs. Cook the chicken completely on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
3. Instant Pot: Put your chicken thighs and 1-2 cups of water or chicken broth in the Instant Pot insert. Put the pot in “manual” mode, cook at high pressure for 6–8 minutes, then let the pressure naturally drop for 5 minutes. Release any residual pressure quickly, then take the chicken out of the
4. The healthful and calorie-efficient cooking technique of steaming is ideal for preparing boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place chicken thighs in a steamer basket or on a rack over a saucepan of boiling water to steam them. Cook the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes, or until done. Before taking the chicken out of the steamer, check its internal temperature to make sure it is fully cooked.
To maintain food safety, cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the technique you choose.
Tips for Perfectly Boiling Chicken Thighs

Here are some pointers to assist you in perfecting the technique of boiling chicken thighs:
1. Before cooking, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs that you’d like. The meat will taste better as a result while it cooks.
2. Water should be added until the chicken is submerged by 1-2 inches. By doing this, you can make sure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
3. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is fully cooked.
4. Remember to take the chicken out of the saucepan as soon as it is finished cooking to prevent it from continuing to cook in the hot water.
5. Before cutting into the chicken, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the liquids to re-distribute. Juicier chicken will result from this.
6. Make careful to chop the chicken against the grain while cutting it. This will lessen the risk of the bird being torn apart.
With these pointers, cooking chicken thighs will be second nature to you in no time! So the next time you’re searching for a quick and tasty method to prepare chicken, go ahead and give it a try.
How Can Common Chicken Thigh Boiling Issues Be Solved?
1. If your chicken is dry and overdone
When chicken is boiled, the most frequent issue is that it is overdone and gets dry. Several factors, like using an excessively high heat, cooking for an excessively long time, or not adding enough liquid to the pot, might cause this. Use low or moderate heat and cook the chicken for the specified period of time to prevent this issue. Additionally, be sure to fill the pot with enough water or broth to cover the chicken by 1-2 inches.
2. In case your chicken is not fully cooked
If your chicken is undercooked, you may have not cooked it for a sufficient amount of time, used insufficient heat, or added too much liquid to the pot. Make sure you cook the chicken for the necessary period of time and use high heat so that the water immediately comes to a boil in order to solve this issue. In order to give the chicken enough space to cook correctly, be careful not to add too much liquid to the pot.
3. If the chicken is hard
If your chicken was overcooked or exposed to excessive heat, it may be the reason of its toughness. Use low or moderate heat and cook the chicken for the specified period of time to prevent this issue. Using a marinade to soften the meat before cooking is another option.
4. When chicken is rubbery
If your chicken is rubbery, you may not have cooked it long enough or with insufficient heat. Make sure you cook the chicken for the necessary period of time and use high heat so that the water immediately comes to a boil in order to solve this issue. In order to give the chicken enough space to cook correctly, be careful not to add too much liquid to the pot.
5. if the chicken is flavorless
If your chicken tastes bland, it may be because you didn’t apply poultry seasoning or added insufficient spice to the water. Make careful to season the water before boiling the chicken with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning to avoid this issue. Adding more aromatics to the pot, such as herbs, onions, and garlic, is another option.
How Can I Tell If Cooked Chicken Thighs?
Using a meat thermometer is the best method to determine whether chicken thighs have finished cooking. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is fully cooked.
If the chicken’s fluids flow clean, it is another sign that it is fully cooked. The chicken has to be cooked longer if the juices are still pink.
Finally, cutting into a chicken thigh will reveal if it is cooked through. The chicken is fully cooked once the flesh is no longer pink and the fluids are clear. It has to simmer for a few minutes longer if there is any pink still present.
How Should I Prepare Boiling Chicken Thighs?
Boiling chicken may be used in a wide variety of ways. It may be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, and casseroles. The chicken may also be torn into shreds and used to tacos or burritos.
Making homemade chicken stock is a wonderful additional use for boiling chicken. Any leftover chicken flesh or bones may be used in this recipe. The chicken bones or flesh should simply be added to a pot of water and simmered for several hours. After straining, put the broth in the freezer or refrigerator for later use.
How Should Boiled Chicken Thighs Be Stored and Freezed?
Chicken that is left over may be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. The chicken should be placed in an airtight container or securely wrapped in plastic wrap for the best storage.
Additionally, boiled chicken may be frozen for up to four months. To do this, put the chicken in the freezer in a bag or container that is freezer-safe. The chicken should be defrosted in the refrigerator the night before usage and consumed within four days.
How Are Leftover Chicken Thighs Reheated?
The oven is the ideal place to reheat chicken thighs. Place the chicken on a baking pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the chicken for approximately 10 minutes, or until it is well heated.
Another option is to reheat the chicken over low heat in a pan on the stove. Over medium heat, add the chicken to a pan and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until cooked through. To prevent the chicken from drying out, add a little water or chicken broth to the pot.
You may also reheat the chicken in the microwave if you’re pressed for time. The chicken should be cooked thoroughly after being placed on a microwave-safe dish and heated for 1–2 minutes at 50% power.
Steamed Chicken Thighs (How to Boil Chicken Thighs on The Stove)
– A pot big enough to accommodate every chicken thigh
– The pot’s cover
– Tongs or a spoon for stirring
– A serving dish or chopping board
– 2 pounds of chicken thighs, either with the skin on or removed or with the bone (5-6 thighs)
Olive oil, 1 tbsp
– Water
Salt, 1 teaspoon
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper, black
– 1/4 teaspoon seasoning for poultry (optional)
1) Put the chicken thighs in the saucepan and cover them with water.
2) Fill the saucepan with the poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3) Combine everything and heat the water in the saucepan to a rolling boil.
4) As soon as the water begins to boil, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is well cooked.
5) When the chicken thighs are done cooking, turn off the heat and allow the meat sit in the liquid to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
6) Take the chicken out of the cooking vessel and set it on a dish or chopping board.
7) Take pleasure in your boiling chicken thighs!
1. Can chicken be over boiled?
Chicken will become overdone and dry if it is boiled for an excessively long time. Using a meat thermometer is the best method to determine if the chicken is overdone. When chicken achieves an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is said to be cooked.
2. How long should chicken thighs be boiled before falling apart?
You’ll need to cook the chicken thighs for a longer time if you want them to come apart. The chicken thighs should be cooked thoroughly after 30 to 40 minutes of boiling.
3. Is water from cooked chicken safe to drink?
Chicken broth is the liquid used to cook the chicken. A tasty and nourishing beverage, chicken broth may be consumed on its own or as a foundation for soups and stews.
4. What is the white substance that emerges from boiling chicken thighs?
Albumin is the white substance that emerges from boiling chicken thighs. A protein called albumin is present in chicken and other meats. Albumin hardens and becomes white when meat is cooked because the proteins coagulate and denature.
5. How long is cooked chicken good for?
The boiled chicken will keep for 3–4 days in the refrigerator or 3–4 months in the freezer if stored properly. Boiling chicken can be kept in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
6. Does boiling chicken thighs longer make them more tender?
No, boiling chicken thighs longer won’t make them softer. When chicken achieves an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is said to be cooked. Over boiling the chicken will produce dry, overdone chicken.
7. How can bland boiled chicken be improved?
There are a few ways to lessen the blandness of boiled chicken. One method is to season the water with some herbs or spices before cooking the chicken. Cooking the chicken in chicken broth as opposed to water is an alternative. While the chicken is cooking, you may also add some veggies to the pot, such carrots, celery, or onions. After the chicken has been cooked, you may finish it by sautéing it in a little oil.
8. Can I keep the chicken thighs’ skin on?
When cooking chicken thighs, you may leave the skin on. The skin will aid in preserving the chicken’s taste and moisture. However, you may wish to remove the skin before eating if you are monitoring your fat consumption.
9. Before cooking the chicken thighs, should I rinse them?
The chicken thighs shouldn’t be rinsed before cooking. The germs may end up spreading around your kitchen if you rinse the chicken since not all of the bacteria will be removed. The chicken should be cooked without being rinsed beforehand.
10. How can I cook chicken thighs such that the skin is crispy?
Broiling chicken thighs for a few minutes after cooking is the best approach to get crispy skin on boiling chicken thighs.
In order to do this, turn on the broiler setting of your oven and arrange the chicken thighs on a wire rack that has been coated with cooking spray. The skin should be crisp and golden brown after 3 to 5 minutes under the broiler. Make sure to keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.
Cooking boiled chicken thighs in a pan and then frying them is another method for getting skin that is crispy.
To achieve this, warm one tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a big skillet. When the skin is golden brown and crispy, add the chicken thighs to the pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. To ensure that the chicken thighs cook equally on both sides, be sure to flip them.
11. Do chicken thighs need to be boiled before frying?
No, boiling chicken thighs before frying them is not necessary. Although it’s not strictly essential, boiling chicken thighs makes the flesh softer and makes it simpler to cook. The chicken thighs will just take a bit longer to cook through in the pan if you decide without boiling them.
12. Should I use salt when I cook chicken?
No, salt is not required when boiling chicken. While cooking, the chicken will release some of its own natural juices, which will flavor the water. You can always boil the chicken without salt and add salt to taste once it’s finished cooking if you’re worried about your sodium intake.
12. To boil chicken thighs, how many cups of water are required?
You will need 1 cup (240 ml) of water for every pound (450 g) of chicken. Therefore, you will use 2 cups (480ml) of water to boil 2 pounds (900g) of chicken thighs.
13. What should I put on boiling chicken thighs?
Boiling chicken thighs are often served with rice, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables as a side dish. The chicken would also go well with a simple pasta dish or salad.
15. Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken thighs?
For this recipe, frozen chicken thighs are acceptable. Just remember to cook the chicken for a few minutes longer since it will take longer for the frozen chicken to cook thoroughly.
16. Can boiling chicken be frozen?
Yes, boiling chicken may be frozen. Up to 4 months might pass before the cooked chicken loses its freshness in the freezer. To avoid freezer burn, make sure to store the chicken in an airtight container.
17. What dishes call for boiled chicken thighs?
Some dishes that call for boiled chicken thighs include:
– Risotto with chicken and mushrooms
– Pot Pie de Poulet
– Soup with chicken and rice
Chicken Salad
– Chicken curry in Thai
– Soup with chicken noodles
18. How nutritious are cooked chicken thighs?
Boiling chicken thighs is a healthy choice, no doubt. Chicken is a lean protein that is rich in a number of crucial elements and low in saturated fat. Chicken maintains moisture when it is cooked, making it an even healthier choice.
19. When boiling, are the chicken thighs covered?
When cooking chicken thighs, there is no need to cover them. However, the chicken will cook more quickly if you choose to cover it.
20. Can a little pink remain on chicken thighs?
To some extent, chicken thighs may be pink. The chicken is not undercooked and this is completely normal. Myoglobin, a protein that gives meat its red color, is what gives the pink hue to the food. Myoglobin becomes white when it is cooked, which is why chicken breasts often have a white tint.
21. How long should chicken thighs be boiled for soup?
You must cook chicken thighs for 30-35 minutes while boiling them for soup. By doing this, the chicken will be fully cooked and the flesh will be soft.
22. How long should chicken thighs be boiled before being grilled?
You must cook chicken thighs for 15-20 minutes if you are boiling them before grilling. The meat will become more tender as a result, making it simpler to grill.
23. Can I pre-boil chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs may be boiled in advance. Just be sure to keep the cooked chicken in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For up to 4 days, the cooked chicken will remain fresh.
Conclusion
The next time you’re searching for a quick and wholesome supper choice, consider boiling chicken thighs for the specified amount of time. Don’t forget to try out various techniques and times until you discover what works best for you.
This technique for cooking is easy to follow and yields delectable results. Chicken may be easily and consistently cooked to perfection by being boiled, whether you’re preparing for a small family or a huge crowd.
Remember to check the internal temperature of your chicken thighs with a meat thermometer before serving. Additionally, be sure to experiment with various herbs and spices to flavor your chicken to your taste.