How Long Does It Take To Boil Chicken Thighs?

How long does it take to boil chicken thighs? This is a common question that most chefs and cooking experts clarify time and again. The answer to the question varies with different factors right from the method of boiling to what kind of chicken thigh you are boiling.

Boiling the chicken is an easy and healthy way of consuming the chicken. You just require some prep work and a pot of boiling water to boil chicken thigh.

It is generally presumed that boiling boneless chicken thighs takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Boiling the bone-in chicken thigh takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

While the above timeline could be correct, there are some factors that dictate and change the parameters of boiling the chicken thigh. Let us get through all those factors in detail in the following lines and be clear about this facet of cooking in a profound way.

By the end of this document, you will know exactly how long to boil to get a chicken that is tender and soft that is also quite delicious.

How Long Does It Take To Boil Chicken Thighs?

1. Boneless Chicken Thighs

If your chicken thighs are boneless or skinless, then they will be cooked sooner than bone-in chicken which takes a longer time. 5 large pieces of chicken thighs should take around 10 to 15 minutes to boil.

If the chicken is shredded, then you should boil it for another 5 minutes to get it more tender and soft.

2. Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Bone-in chicken thighs, as a matter of fact, take longer to cook than boneless ones. It should take 15 to 20 minutes for the chicken to boil once the chicken is fully thawed.

One thing we have to be very sure of is that, as soon as the chicken thighs are boiled, it has to be removed from the pot of boiling water with immediate effect.

The cooking times mentioned above are rough estimates and have many variations when it comes to reality cooking. It might take less or more time to cook depending on the size and condition of the chicken.

It is safe to eat a chicken when it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F after boiling it.

How Long Does It Take To Boil Frozen Chicken Thighs?

We will first need to clarify whether you can boil the frozen chicken thighs in the first place. This is possible and there is no need for thawing them prior to cooking them.

However, the boiling time for the chicken thighs will be longer than the recommended 15 minutes. It would take about 35 to 40 minutes at a stretch and it is recommended that it is validated for complete boiling.

Why Should You Boil Chicken Thighs?

1. Boiling chicken is an easy way to cook your poultry and is done effectively in minutes or seconds.
2. Boiling chicken is a low-calorie cooking method that requires no oil or even butter. This deems to be a healthier option.
3. Boiling the chicken retains all the nutrients that are leached out of the chicken. When the meat is cooked or boiled, the nutrients from the chicken are leaked out into the water and as the water boils, the nutrients again get absorbed in the chicken.
4. Boiling chicken is the fastest way of cooking it with no special ingredients. Especially when you are strapped for time, this is the best way of cooking the chicken.
5. Boiling the chicken helps give you a tender chicken that is soft and light. It will be moist and flavorful.
6. It can contribute to any meal and recipes like soups, salads, or even gravies.

How Do You Prepare Chicken Thighs Before Boiling?

1. The chicken thighs should be washed with cold water to eliminate all the fat content in the meat.
2. The chicken thighs will be cut into even pieces so that they get cooked properly and evenly.
3. If you have boneless chicken, just place it in the pot of boiling water and you don’t need any other ingredients.
4. If you are using bone-in chicken, then the skin has to be scored before it goes into the boiling pot. Just be careful that you are not cutting into the meat itself.
5. After the chicken is prepped, place it in the boiled water until it is submerged so that it is cooked fully.

Tips While Using Raw Chicken

1. Keep your hands clean and soft before you are going to handle the chicken.
2. Clean all the surfaces and countertops the chicken is going to come in contact with.
3. A separate cutting board for the chicken and other foods would be convenient.
4. Avoid all forms of cross-contamination by separating the chicken from other foods
5. Keep the marinade separate from the chicken and don’t mix it with any other foods.

How Do You Season The Chicken Thighs For Boiling?

Boiling the chicken opens up the chances of mixing up any spices or herbs in the water to add flavor to the chicken. 

1. Add garlic, onions, or spices of different choices to the water that is cooking the chicken.
2. If you want a simple recipe, just dab salt and pepper on the chicken surface and nothing else.
3. You can add bouillon cubes to the water which gives chicken additional flavor and makes it tastier.
4. Post-boiling the chicken, it can be dabbed with spices and herbs or even sauces and dips.
5. Boiled chicken can be used in various recipes like salads, soups, and even casseroles.

How To Boil Chicken Thighs Perfectly?

Placing the chicken thighs in the pot of cold water and bringing it to a boil will cook the chicken thighs evenly and properly. Even cooking can prevent the chicken from drying out totally. Let us go over the steps to boil the chicken thighs. 

1. Add the chicken thighs to a Dutch oven or a pot.
2. Fill the Dutch oven/ pot with enough water to cover the chicken or sink it completely.
3. Add the spices and herbs to the water to flavor the meat.
4. Bring the pot of water to boil well.
5. When the water is boiling, just simmer the temperature to a minimal low for 10 to 15 minutes if you are boiling a boneless chicken. If it is a bone in chicken, then go for 15 to 20 minutes straight. 
6. After the boiling is done, check the internal temperature of the chicken if it has reached 165 degrees F.
7. After the chicken has been cooked thoroughly, take it outside from the pot and place it on the cutting board to rest for some time.
8. Let the chicken cool for 5 to 10 minutes nicely before you can mix it into any recipe.

How To Boil The Chicken Thighs Faster?

Sometimes this elaborate process may not be very conducive and very convenient for people to follow step by step. Hence they always look for ways to minimize the effort of boiling the chicken thighs.

1. Cut the chicken thighs into smaller pieces and immerse them in the water so that it is cooked evenly and the heat is spread through all parts of the meat without any issue.
2. Cook the chicken at a higher temperature so that the chicken is cooked faster but make sure it is not overcooked.
3. Boil the water prior to immersing the chicken in the pot. This will reduce the overall timing of cooking the chicken and ease the effort to a larger extent.
4. Do not go overboard with the above method as it may cause the chicken to dry out.
5. Use a pressure cooker or an instant pot to cook the chicken by following all the protocols properly.

What Are The Alternative Methods To Boil A Chicken?

Boiling the chicken thighs in the hot water may be the conventional way of cooking a chicken. However, there are other faster ways of boiling a chicken that can be used in case of emergencies.

Below are some of the most foolproof methods that one can adopt to boil the chicken.

1. Microwave

This is a faster way to cook a chicken but requires some careful monitoring. The chicken thighs are placed in the microwave-safe dish and then shoved inside the oven.

Microwave on high for 5 minutes and then check the internal temperature if it has reached above 165 degrees f. 

2. Slow Cooker

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and add 1 to 2 cups of water to the cooker. Cook on low temperature for 6 to 8 hours. If you want it any faster, then opt for 3 to 4 hours in high temperatures.

3. Instant Pot

Place the chicken thigh in the instant pot and allow it to cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Infuse a high pressure while cooking and slowly reduce the pressure once you decide to remove it. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes. 

4. Steaming

Steaming is a healthy and low calories cooking method and very effective and healthy similar to that of boiling chicken. Keep the chicken on the steamer rack for 10 to 15 minutes.

Rack the chicken in the boiling rack until it is cooked thoroughly. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it has been cooked properly.

How To Tell If The Chicken Thighs Are Done?

There are some indications and protocols to prove that the chicken thighs are fully done.

1. Internal Temperature

The best way to tell that the chicken thighs are done is by checking the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. You have to see whether the temperature has reached 165 degrees F. 

2. Appearance

You can also find out whether the chicken thighs are cooked properly by just checking whether the juices run clear and if the meat leaks out pink-colored juices, then it is time for the chicken to be cooked thoroughly.

3. Cutting The Pieces

You can also find out whether the chicken is cooked by just cutting the meat and seeing whether it can be divided into pieces without any issue. Sometimes if the pieces are tight enough or look very pale and rigid to be cut through, then it has to be cooked longer.

Storing And Freezing The Chicken Thigh

If there is any leftover chicken, then it has to be stored in the fridge for 4 days and not any more than that. While picking it up for reheating, just make sure that the chicken is good and not spoiled.

Store it in an airtight container or in a plastic wrapper to cover all the edges of the chicken without any leaks to expose it to the outside air.

Freeze the boiled chicken for 4 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer for months.

Reheat Leftover Chicken Thighs

The leftover chicken thigh has to be used some other day and that is possible if you can reheat the chicken.

1. In The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the chicken on the baking sheet to keep in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes and wait until the chicken is heated through thoroughly.

2. Skillet

Reheat the chicken in the skillet on the stovetop over low heat. Place the chicken in the skillet over for 5 minutes until it is heated thoroughly. Keep adding a little bit of water or chicken broth to the chicken so that it does not dry out.

3. Microwave

Reheat the chicken in the microwave and heat it for 2 minutes straight until it becomes hot. Follow this process if you have a shortage of time.

Conclusion

Chicken thighs are the conventional item that is binged and enjoyed by all by incorporating different recipes. The boiled thighs are deemed the healthiest chicken meal that one can binge upon.

This article will help you dig through all the facets of boiling chicken thighs and the methods involved in the procedure. Have a read-through to understand all the intricacies of making the boiled chicken perfectly. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)