boiled whole chicken recipe

boiled whole chicken recipe

The Best boiled whole chicken recipe

I’ve been making boiled whole chicken for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite meals. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The key to making a great boiled whole chicken is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook it correctly. I like to use a whole chicken, but you can also use just legs or thighs if you prefer.

The result is always tender, juicy meat with minimal fat and no added sugars. My kids love it because it’s easy to eat and doesn’t make a mess.

It’s also very healthy, as long as you don’t add any extra salt or sauces. I like to serve it with some steamed vegetables or a salad on the side.

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m so glad we can still enjoy it today. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

We’ve had this dish for holidays, birthdays, and just regular Tuesday nights. It never fails to please everyone at the table.

Boiled Whole Chicken

Boiled Whole Chicken

4.5 from 1568 votes

A tender and juicy whole chicken simmered with aromatics for a simple, comforting meal. The cooking liquid can be used as a flavorful broth for soups or sauces.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr 15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon salt
Water to cover

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2Remove any giblets from the cavity and set aside for another use if desired.
3Place the chicken in a large stockpot and add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt.
4Pour in enough cold water to cover the chicken by 1 inch.
5Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer.
6Cover the pot and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
7Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs and transfer to a cutting board.
8Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
9The broth can be strained and saved for soups or sauces.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot (at least 8 quarts)
Tongs
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 50g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the pot. The chicken is done when the thigh meat reaches 165°F and the juices run clear when pierced.

Watch Video Of How Boiled Whole Chicken Works

Storing leftover boiled chicken is simple. Let the chicken cool down, then remove the meat from the bones. Put the meat in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze the meat for up to 3 months. The broth should be stored separately in a jar or container, and it will keep in the fridge for about a week or in the freezer for months. To reheat, I like to warm the meat gently in a skillet with a little of the broth.

This keeps it from drying out. You can also microwave it, but add a splash of broth to keep it moist. For serving, this chicken works great in salads, sandwiches, or just on its own with some vegetables.

It is a versatile recipe that always fits the occasion, whether it is a quick dinner or a family get together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Boiled Whole Chicken

Q: What is the best way to season a boiled whole chicken?

Seasoning is where you can get creative with your boiled whole chicken recipe! You can use herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to give it that Mediterranean flavor, or go for something more Asian-inspired with soy sauce and ginger. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find one you love.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Sure thing! If you’re using boneless breasts, you’ll want to adjust the cooking time accordingly. They’ll usually take about half the time as a whole chicken, so keep an eye on them.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from becoming too salty?

Avoid adding too much salt during cooking by using herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Boiled whole chicken works beautifully in a slow cooker.

Q: Is there anything I can do with leftover boiled chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover boiled chicken is perfect for making sandwiches, wraps, salads or soup.

Similar Posts