Description
Learn how long to boil chicken breast for tender, juicy results every time. This foolproof method ensures perfectly cooked chicken that’s great for meal prep, shredding, or using in salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups water (or chicken broth for more flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken – Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
- Boil the water or broth – In a large pot, bring water (or broth) to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add seasonings – Stir in salt, pepper, bay leaf, and garlic for extra flavor.
- Boil the chicken – Carefully place the chicken breasts into the boiling liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Check for doneness – Use a meat thermometer or cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Remove & rest – Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of water for enhanced flavor.
- To keep the chicken juicy, don’t overboil—remove it as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest before cutting to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: ~165 per serving
- Fat: ~3.5g
- Carbohydrates: ~0g
- Protein: ~31g
- Cholesterol: ~85mg