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Learning how to boil a whole chicken is a great skill to have in your back pocket, especially if you’re trying to eat clean or meal-prep! This boiled chicken is flavorful, juicy and can easily be transformed into a one-pot meal.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy: Not only is boiled chicken healthy, juicy, and delicious, but you can use it in so many different ways. Try it in my shredded chicken tacos or crack chicken casserole.
- Multiple Uses: You can use the tender chicken and delicious broth in multiple recipes. With this simple recipe you will be able to make so many things with it!
Ingredients You Will Need
Besides the whole chicken and spices, feel free to throw in any veggies that you may have in your fridge! They become so delicious when they cook in the chicken’s natural broth. For exact measurements, check out the recipe card below.
- Bone-In Whole Chicken: The chicken I used was about 6 pounds. You may need to adjust the cooking time a little depending on the size of the chicken you use.
- Yellow Onions: Chopped yellow onions are a must-add for any hearty dish.
- Whole Carrots: Cut into 2-inch pieces. Is there anything better than chopped carrots that have been cooked in broth? They’re so tender and flavorful!
- Celery Stalks: These also become nice and tender when cooked. Stews and roasts are the best way to get your daily dose of veggies.
- Whole Garlic Cloves: For a punch of savory flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs is a no-brainer. They add the best flavor and aromatics! I used fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
- Salt: Help to boost the flavors of the boiled chicken.
- Whole Peppercorns: Adding these in is another great way to flavor the chicken.
How Long to Boil a Whole Chicken
Boiling a whole chicken is incredibly easy. Simply add all of your ingredients to a large pot and let it do its thing! I love how hands-off this recipe is. It gives you plenty of time to make some side dishes or watch a few episodes of your favorite TV show!
- Add Chicken to Pot, Cover With Herbs and Vegetables: Place the chicken in the bottom of a large stock pot. Then add the rest of the ingredients on top and around the chicken.
- Cover With Water, Boil: Cover everything completely with water and then bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer: Once your water has come to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. When it’s done, the internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve: Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot. Then shred and debone the chicken and use it as desired for recipes.
- Save Chicken Stock: Strain the chicken stock and save it for later use!
Cooking Tips
Get ready to enjoy juicy and versatile meat that’s great for a variety of dishes. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite tips to make sure your chicken turns out perfectly!
- Use a Big Pot: Use a pot that can comfortably fit the whole chicken and allow space for the water to boil without overflowing. A large stockpot or Dutch oven is a good option.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C).
- Use For: You can use this boiled chicken for basically any chicken recipe. Shred it and use it for tacos, chicken salad, meal prep, protein bowls, soup, or wraps, slice it and use it for sandwiches, or leave the bones in and use it for chicken wings!
- Chicken Broth: Save any leftover cooking liquid, this is the best chicken stock to use in all of your favorite recipes!
How Long Does Boiled Chicken Last?
In an airtight container, your chicken will last for about four days in the fridge. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the freezer in a freezer bag for two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I recommend dividing it into multiple bags so you can thaw just what you need for certain recipes.
Delicious Chicken Recipes
Here are a few more delicious recipes that you can use your newly boiled chicken for! The tender juiciness that comes from boiling your chicken will make all of your favorite dishes that much better.
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How to Boil a Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, about 6 pounds
- 1 yellow onions, chopped
- 2 whole carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 4 celery stalks, including leaves, cut into 4 inch pieces
- 4 whole garlic cloves
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 10 sprigs of thyme
- 5 sprigs of rosemary
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of a large stock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients on top and around the chicken.
- Cover everything completely with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once your water has come to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot. Shred and debone the chicken and use it as desired for recipes.
- Strain the chicken stock and save it for later use!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great recipe and easy to follow
Hi, it says to use a big pot. How big is a “big” pot – 4 quarts, 32 quarts, 64 quarts? I’m shopping for a stock pot and I need to know what size. Thanks!!!! 🙂
At least 8 qts for the 6 pound chicken but it depends on whether you need more stock than you would get in an 8 qt. I am simmering mine now. I mainly want the chicken meat but some stock too. I am making chicken and dumplings from some meat and freezing the rest.