3 Chicken Boiling Blunders: Why Your Meat is Bland and Falling Apart

Place the chicken on its back

When we place the chicken on its back to boil it, the thighs and legs will be facing upwards, and the water may not completely submerge them, leading to undercooked meat.

Therefore, when boiling chicken, it is recommended to place the thighs facing downwards. This way, the meat will also cook faster due to direct contact with the heat at the bottom of the pot.

Boiling Chicken for Too Long

Many people, out of fear of undercooking the chicken, tend to boil it for an extended period. Doing so will cause the meat to become mushy and unappetizing.

For a delicious boiled chicken, we should first bring the water to a boil. Wait until the water starts to evaporate, and then add the chicken. Avoid putting the chicken in from the beginning, and do not wait for a rolling boil before adding it.

Once the chicken is in the pot, turn the heat down to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes, and then flip the chicken to ensure even cooking. Afterward, simmer the chicken for an additional 5 minutes.

Ideally, boiling a chicken should take around 15 minutes. For older chickens, you may need to simmer it for a bit longer. Boiling with high heat can cause the skin to crack, and the broth will not be clear.

Using a Pot That’s Too Small

The size of the pot matters when boiling chicken. If the pot is too small, flipping the chicken becomes more challenging, and the skin is more likely to tear. Additionally, the meat may not cook evenly.

The Right Way to Boil Chicken

The ideal boiling time for a whole chicken is approximately 25 minutes. If you’re only boiling the breast, 15 minutes is enough to ensure it’s cooked yet tender. For smaller pieces like wings and thighs, 10 minutes will do the trick. Here are the steps to boil chicken perfectly:

Step 1: Place the cleaned chicken in a pot and add water until it just covers the meat.

Step 2: Add a pinch of salt to the pot. One tablespoon of salt is sufficient for a whole chicken. For smaller portions like thighs, wings, and breasts, one to two teaspoons of salt will do.

Step 3: Cover the pot and turn up the heat slightly to bring the water to a boil quickly. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, then turn off the heat. Let the chicken rest in the pot, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.

During the boiling process, flip the chicken at least once or twice to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature for perfectly boiled chicken is 160°C (320°F).

Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it drain. Cut the chicken into serving pieces and arrange them attractively on a plate. Finely chop some lemon leaves and sprinkle them over the boiled chicken to enhance its flavor.