How to Boil Chicken Evenly Without it Turning Red
The following 10-15 minute rule will ensure you never have to worry about overcooking or undercooking your boiled chicken again.
After rinsing a fresh chicken, place it in a pot and cover it with water. Add a small pinch of salt. Bring the water to a normal boil (not too high or low). Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 15 minutes before turning off the heat. Leave the chicken in the pot for another 10 minutes, then place it on a dish to drain and cool.
The result? Perfectly cooked, juicy chicken that’s ready to be carved and served.
– For younger or smaller chickens, simply boil for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the chicken sit in the hot water for 15 minutes before removing and carving.
Ingredients for Boiled Chicken
1 free-range chicken, weighing approximately 1.5 – 2kg
– 1 knob of ginger, rinsed, and 3 shallots
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Boiling Water
Rinse the chicken and rub it with salt to eliminate any odors. Rinse again and pat dry or air dry.
Fill a pot with cold water and place the chicken inside (always start with cold water for even cooking). Add the ginger, shallots, and a pinch of salt, ensuring the water covers the chicken.
Step 2: Boil the Chicken
Turn the heat up high and bring the water to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes.
Step 3: Check for Doneness
Pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer or sharp knife. If the juices run clear and there’s no sign of pink, your chicken is cooked. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the chicken rest in the hot water for an additional 5-10 minutes for a moister, more tender bird.
Finally, remove the chicken from the pot and let it drain and cool. Mix some chicken fat with a pinch of turmeric and brush it over the chicken’s skin for a beautiful golden glow.
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