How to Boil Chicken Breast

cooked chicken breast on white plate sliced and shredded with parsley on the side

Boiled chicken breasts are great to have on hand for adding to all kinds of recipes. Learn how to boil chicken breast easily and make flavorful chicken that you can shred, slice, or dice to add to any recipe or meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword boiled chicken breast, how to boil chicken breast

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Rising Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 86kcal

Author Tanya

Equipment

Ingredients

4 12 oz chicken breast
4 cups chicken broth or water enough to cover chicken brost 1-2 inches.
additional seasonings optional

Instructions

Add chicken breast, broth, and any additional seasonings in a large pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
As soon as the liquid begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Do note that bone-in chicken breast will take a little longer to cook, about 15-18 minutes.
Check the temperature of the chicken by removing the breast from the liquid with tongs and checking with a quick read thermometer. The chicken is done once it reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Notes

You could discard the broth after cooking the breast or consider straining it, to remove any foam or herb leaves, and using it to cook your favorite grain.
If using bone-in skin-on breast, you'll need to cook it a few minutes longer, about 15-18 minutes.
How long your chicken takes to cook will depend on the size of the chicken breast.

Nutrition