Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
chicken breasts coated with salt and pepper in a silver saucepan on a grey surface with an orange linen on a grey surface with an orange linen

Tender, Shredded Chicken—Easy Boil Method

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

This easy boiled chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy breast meat every time. Simply season boneless chicken breasts with your favorite spices, cover with water in a heavy‑bottomed pot, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until just done. In about 30 minutes you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken that’s perfect for shredding into salads, soups, tacos, or sandwiches.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1lb 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1lb Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • Ground Pepper and Onion Salt
  • Fresh Herbs or Your Other Favorite Spices

Instructions

  1. Make sure to use good quality chicken. Open your packet of chicken and sprinkle on your spices. Then place the chicken spices side down in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Sprinkle the same spices on the now bare side of chicken. Then add water to the pot to cover the chicken about 1/2 an inch above the chicken.
  2. Set on the stove over high heat, once the water comes to a boil lower heat to medium to keep a nice simmer. Cook for approx. 15-20 more minutes. Depending on how thick your chicken breasts are. The breasts I used were quite thick so it took 20 minutes. Always ALWAYS use an instant thermometer when cooking chicken, you want it to reach an internal temperature of at least 165F this ensure it is cooked throughout. I poke my thermometer in numerous places including the thickest part of the chicken.
  3. When chicken is done cooking transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer. Let cool in the bowl for 20 minutes then using a paddle attachment mix the chicken for 2 minutes this gives you shredded chicken.
  4. Store in the fridge up until using.

Equipment

Notes

  • Store in the fridge up until using the chicken or place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to a month. If you are storing in the refrigerator the chicken breast will tend to dry up quickly so I suggest storing it in some of its own cooking liquid.

  • You can save the cooking liquid aside and use it as chicken broth for soup or discard it. If you are going to save it I suggest storing it in an ice cube tray or a souper cube so you can use it easily. If you wanted to make more of a full flavor chicken broth you could add some chopped carrots and celery, really any vegetables you have on hand to the chicken as it cooks too. 

  • Author: Elizabeth Waterson
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://confessionsofabakingqueen.com/how-to-boil-chicken/

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes