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    Home » Cooking Tips

    How Long To Boil Chicken Thighs

    Published: Jan 17, 2023 by heather · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Need to know how long to boil chicken thighs? This post covers how to make boiled chicken thighs that are flavorful, juicy, and delicious. Great to serve on their own or to use the meat for a variety of other recipes.

    Boiled chicken thighs on a plate.

    Boiled chicken thighs recipe

    Chicken thighs can be cooked using different methods like baked thighs, air fryer chicken thighs, and in the Instant pot. Boiling is a super simple way to prepare this cut of chicken. Here are some more reasons we like this cooking method:

    • Easy – You can’t get easier than boiling chicken. This simple recipe just needs thighs, water, and your favorite seasoning.
    • Fast – This method only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy night.
    • Flavorful – Chicken thighs are an affordable dark meat that tend to be juicy and have more flavor than white meat chicken.

    Ingredients needed

    Chicken thighs – You can use bone-in chicken thighs or boneless chicken thighs. Bone-in thighs will take a few minutes longer to cook.

    Seasoning – We are using chicken bouillon granules to add extra flavor. You can substitute with a chicken bouillon cube or just salt and ground black pepper.

    Plate of uncooked chicken thighs and bowl of bouillon.

    How long to boil chicken thighs

    Bone-In Chicken Thighs: These will take about 30 minutes to boil. The size of the of the chicken thighs can effect the cook time.

    Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs without the bone will take about 20 minutes to boil. This is for 4-5 thighs. Again, the size of the thighs can effect boiling time.

    Here is a step-by-step guide to boiling chicken thighs.

    • Step one: Pat chicken thighs with paper towel to remove any excess liquid. Place chicken thighs in a large pot. Sprinkle on chicken bouillon or salt and pepper.
    Pot with chicken thighs and bouillon.
    • Step two: Cover the chicken thighs with water and then cover with a lid. (You can also choose to leave it uncovered.) Heat on the stove and bring to a boil.
    Pot filled with water and chicken thighs.
    • Step three: Turn the heat down to medium heat and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 30 minutes, or 40 minutes if from frozen. Check to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
    • Step four: This step is optional, if you would like crispy skin, place the boiled chicken thighs on a foil lined baking pan and broil for about 5 minutes or until skin starts to turn golden brown. You can then add BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or leave plain.

    Recipe tips

    • Starting the chicken in cold water will help cook the chicken evenly.
    • Make sure to completely cover the chicken with water, at least 2 inches over.
    • Don’t forget to check the internal temperature with and instant read thermometer. It should reach 165 degrees F.
    • You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion to the pot of water to get more flavorful chicken.
    • You can also add fresh herbs like bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary.
    • Don’t throw away the chicken broth. Use the leftover broth for soups, stews, or to cook pasta.
    Do you boil chicken covered or uncovered?

    You can boil chicken thighs with the lid on or off. Covering the pot with a lid will help to trap the heat and cook faster.

    How do you know when chicken thighs are boiled?

    To ensure the chicken thighs are cooked through, carefully remove the thighs from the water and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken thighs is 165 degrees F or higher.

    How long to boil frozen chicken thighs?

    If boiling frozen chicken thighs, boil for 40-50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

    Can you boil chicken thighs in the microwave?

    Yes, to boil in the microwave, place chicken thighs in a microwave-safe dish. Add in about 1/2 cup of water and cover the dish with plastic wrap. Microwave for 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature and cook in 5 minute increments until it reaches 165 degrees F.

    Chicken thighs on a foil lined baking sheet.

    Ways to use boiled chicken thighs

    Chicken thigh meat is a very flavorful meat that can be used in a number of ways. Here is a great list of ways to use leftover chicken. A few favorites are:

    • Chicken salad
    • Chicken sandwich
    • Chicken noodle soup

    How to store leftover boiled chicken thighs

    Store: Let any leftover cooked chicken cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze this chicken meat in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

    Let me know if you try this easy chicken recipe.

    More chicken recipes

    • How long to bake chicken tenders
    • How long to bake chicken wings
    • Air fryer chicken drumsticks
    • How to reheat rotisserie chicken
    Boiled chicken thighs on a plate.
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    How Long To Boil Chicken Thighs

    How to boil chicken thighs.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time35 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: boiled chicken thighs
    Servings: 4 thighs
    Calories: 251kcal

    Ingredients

    • 4-5 chicken thighs
    • 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
    • water enough to cover chicken thighs

    Instructions

    • Pat chicken thighs with paper towel to remove any excess liquid. Place chicken thighs in a large pot. Sprinkle on chicken bouillon or salt and pepper.
    • Cover the chicken thighs with water and then cover with a lid. Heat on the stove and bring to a boil.
    • Turn the heat down to medium heat and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 30 minutes, or 40 minutes if from frozen. Check to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
    • This step is optional, if you would like crispy skin, place the boiled chicken thighs on a foil lined baking pan and broil for about 5 minutes or until skin starts to turn golden brown. You can then add BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or leave plain.

    Video

    Notes

    • Starting the chicken in cold water will help cook the chicken evenly.
    • Make sure to completely cover the chicken with water, at least 2 inches over.
    • Don’t forget to check the internal temperature with and instant read thermometer. It should reach 165 degrees F.
    • You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion to the pot of water to get more flavorful chicken.
    • You can also add fresh herbs like bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary.
    • Don’t throw away the chicken broth. Use the leftover broth for soups, stews, or to cook pasta.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 236mg | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
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