Description
This homemade boiled chicken recipe produces tender meat and a flavorful broth, ideal for soups, salads, or as a main dish. It’s a straightforward method to enjoy delicious, wholesome chicken and stock.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds)
- 12 cups of water (or enough to cover the chicken)
- 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2–3 bay leaves
- 4–5 cloves of garlic, smashed
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2–3 carrots, cut into large chunks
- 2–3 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or dill) – optional
Instructions
- Clean the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold running water and remove any giblets or organs from the cavity.
- Trim Excess Fat: Trim any excess fat from the chicken using kitchen shears or a sharp knife.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt inside the cavity of the chicken and add a few peppercorns and garlic cloves for extra flavor.
- Gather Your Ingredients: In a large stockpot, combine water, salt, black peppercorns, bay leaves, smashed garlic, quartered onion, carrots, and celery. Add fresh herbs if using.
- Add the Chicken: Place the whole chicken into the pot, breast side up, ensuring it is fully submerged in the water.
- Bring to a Boil: Heat the pot over medium-high heat until the water reaches a rolling boil (about 10-15 minutes).
- Skim the Foam: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface using a ladle or spoon.
- Reduce the Heat: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, covering the pot with a lid slightly ajar.
- Cook Time: Simmer the chicken for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until fully cooked (20 minutes per pound).
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the thigh reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
- Take Out the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes on a cutting board.
- Strain the Broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot or bowl, discarding the solids.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using your hands or forks.
- Season the Shredded Chicken: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, adding some strained broth to keep it moist.
- Serve the Chicken: Serve as is or use in salads, sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables and herbs based on your preference.
- The broth can be used as a base for soups or sauces, enhancing the flavor of your dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes