How Long To Boil Chicken Thighs
Jan 17, 2023, Updated Oct 11, 2023
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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.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
If boiling frozen chicken thighs, boil for 40-50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
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.
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
How Long To Boil Chicken Thighs
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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
