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    Ambitious Foodie » Recipes » Chicken Recipes

    How to Boil Chicken Breasts

    Published: Jan 4, 2026 by Imsen · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    There are hundreds of recipes that call for How To Boil Chicken Breasts, which are simple to prepare and have on hand. Because it keeps the chicken juicy, shreds it in a matter of seconds, and adds more flavor than other ways, it's my favorite. I adore using soft, shredded chicken breast flesh in Mexican dishes, salads, soups, and casseroles.

    It's quite easy to boil chicken breasts, but if you do it correctly, you'll get the best, juiciest shredded white meat chicken for all of your recipes. It works well for casserole dishes, chicken tacos, chicken pot pies, soups, and chicken chili. Keeping shredded chicken in the refrigerator makes it so simple for your entire family to have dinner, lunch, or a snack.

    How To Boil Perfect Chicken Breasts

    Find out how long to boil chicken for consistently tender, juicy chicken! We'll employ the following procedure once you've gathered your ingredients:

    1. Put the chicken breasts in a saucepan big enough to accommodate them and the water, leaving at least an inch of room. Pour water over it. Put the salt in there. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer.
    2. After that, turn down the heat to medium and cover. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the breast reaches 165°F.
    1. Before shredding or slicing the chicken for recipes, move it to a cutting board and let it cool somewhat.
    2. Chicken can be shredded, sliced, or chopped as needed. You can either put the chicken in the bowl of your stand mixer or shred it with two forks.

    How to Shred Chicken - 2 Methods

    There are two methods for shredding cooked chicken.

    • Two Forks Method: Put the cooked chicken breast on a plate or cutting board if you're using this approach. Shred the chicken meat as you separate it using two forks. Shred the chicken breast by holding a fork in each hand and "pulling" at it while dragging the prongs in various directions.
    • Stand mixer Method: If you always keep your stand mixer out, using it to make simple shredded chicken is another option. Simply add the paddle attachment and pour the chicken into the mixing bowl. Your soft boiled chicken will be shredded if you turn it on to low for around 15 seconds. The fastest method for shredding chicken is definitely using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.

    How do I freeze boiled chicken?

    Cut, cube, or shred your cooked chicken after bringing it to room temperature in order to freeze it. Freeze for up to six months after transferring to an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. In the fridge, thaw. I suggest freezing smaller amounts and extracting what you require. Use as desired after thawing in the fridge for the entire night.

    How to Store

    For up to five days, keep the shredded chicken in the fridge in an airtight container.

    You can keep frozen shredded chicken for up to three months.

    Warm the chicken breast in the microwave at intervals of 15 seconds until it is thoroughly heated. To prevent it from drying out, cover with a moist paper towel.

    FAQs

    Why Is My Boiled Chicken Rubbery?

    You cooked it for too long. Watch your chicken while it simmers, and when it's done, take it out of the water.

    How long do I boil the chicken?

    The thickness of the chicken breasts will determine this. Around ten minutes is when thinner chicken breasts might be ready. The cooking time for larger chicken breasts is more like fifteen minutes. Using a meat thermometer and cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F is what I always advise.

    How do you know when boiled chicken is done?

    When your chicken is firm, there is no more pink in the middle, and a meat thermometer reads 165, if necessary, it is done. Cutting it open after removing it from the water is acceptable. Simply put it back in to cook if it's still pink.

    If you tried this Guide or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!

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    Recipe

    How To Boil Chicken Breasts

    There are hundreds of recipes that call for How To Boil Chicken Breasts, which are simple to prepare and have on hand. Because it keeps the chicken juicy, shreds it in a matter of seconds, and adds more flavor than other ways, it's my favorite. I adore using soft, shredded chicken breast flesh in Mexican dishes, salads, soups, and casseroles.
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    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course: dinner, lunch
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 64kcal
    Author: Imsen
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    INGREDIENTS

    • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • 2 teaspoon salt
    • water to cover the chicken

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Put the chicken breasts in a saucepan big enough to accommodate them and the water, leaving at least an inch of room. Pour water over it. Put the salt in there. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer.
    • After that, turn down the heat to medium and cover. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the breast reaches 165°F.
    • Before shredding or slicing the chicken for recipes, move it to a cutting board and let it cool somewhat.
    • Chicken can be shredded, sliced, or chopped as needed. You can either put the chicken in the bowl of your stand mixer or shred it with two forks.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 64kcal | Protein: 12g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 1228mg | Potassium: 209mg | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Keyword How To Boil Chicken Breasts
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Follow @ambitiousfoodieblog on Instagram, take a shot, and tag it #ambitiousfoodieblog! I love to see what you are making!

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    Hi, This is Imene! I'm the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

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