Perfectly Boiled Frozen Chicken: The Secret Step for Firm Skin and Juicy, Tender Meat

Even when using frozen chicken, your boiled chicken dish can still be delicious if you know the secret below.

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Frozen Chicken

If you want to have a delicious dish made from chicken, you need to pay attention to the process of freezing the food. When the freezing process is done correctly, the quality of the food is ensured, and it will remain fresh and tasty during cooking.

When you bring chicken home, you should drain the water (you can use a paper towel, clean cloth to pat it dry). Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and losing moisture. Place the chicken in a box or a ziplock bag and leave it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. After that, you can transfer the chicken from the refrigerator compartment to the freezer compartment for storage.

Thawing Frozen Chicken

When you need to use the chicken, you should transfer it from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment about 1 day in advance to let it thaw slowly. When the chicken is completely thawed and the meat becomes tender, you can take it out for cooking. If you don’t wait for the chicken to thaw completely, the cooking time will be longer, and the chicken will become dry and tasteless.

Tips for Boiling Frozen Chicken

When placing the chicken in a pot, you should place it upside down so that the chicken thigh can be fully submerged in water. This part of the meat is thick and takes longer to cook, so if you place the chicken with the thigh facing upwards, the thigh will take longer to cook compared to other parts.

When boiling the chicken, make sure to fully cover the chicken with water so that all parts can cook evenly. It is better to use cold water for boiling. Gradually heating the water will prevent the chicken skin from cracking.

You can add some smashed ginger, dried shallots, or lemongrass to give the chicken a fragrant aroma. You can also add a little salt or seasoning to make the chicken more flavorful. If you want the chicken to have a beautiful yellow color, you can add a little turmeric powder to the boiling water. If you don’t have turmeric powder, you can grind fresh turmeric and mix it with the chicken fat (which has been rendered) to create a mixture. Brush this mixture onto the surface of the cooked chicken. The chicken will have a beautiful golden color.

When boiling, keep the heat high initially to evenly distribute the heat throughout the pot, allowing the chicken to heat up evenly and cook faster. Once the water boils, reduce the heat and skim off any foam that floats to the surface. From the moment the water boils, you can boil the chicken for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. After that, turn off the heat and cover the pot, letting the chicken simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until it is fully cooked. If the chicken is older or larger in size, you may need to increase the boiling time.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and soak it in a bowl of boiling water with some ice. This method helps to firm up the skin, make it crispier, and keep the meat firm, while also preventing the chicken from turning dark.

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Frequently asked questions

First, ensure your chicken is fully thawed. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt and any desired spices. Carefully lower the chicken into the water, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Return the water to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes for tender, juicy meat. Finally, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Simmering the chicken gently ensures even cooking and helps retain moisture, resulting in juicy, tender meat. Boiling it vigorously can make the meat tough and dry.

The safest way to check if your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones. Your chicken is cooked when the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the meat with a knife. The juices should run clear, not pink.

You can experiment with various spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of boiled chicken. Some popular options include garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, paprika, and black pepper.

Yes, simply soak the thawed chicken in a mixture of milk and water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help eliminate any unpleasant odors.