Description
How Long to Boil Chicken Thighs – an easy, simple recipe for how long to boil chicken thighs – great for shredding chicken or an easy dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs
- water
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt or 1 chicken bouillon cube
- (optional) 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in a large saucepan filled 3/4 with water (chicken should have at least 2 inches of water above it).
- Add salt or bouillon cube and onions (if using).
- Cover and let simmer (gently) for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked (chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
- Serve immediately seasoned with kosher salt and pepper or sear (see Notes below).
Notes
- Similar Size: try and make sure your chicken thighs are approx. the same size as each other so they cook evenly.
- How long to boil boneless chicken thighs: a boneless chicken thigh will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Optional Sear: if you want a crispy skin on the top you can remove the chicken thighs from the water when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. then sear in a cast iron skillet with a little bit of butter or you can brush with olive oil and broil for 1-2 minutes.
- Frozen chicken thighs: you can use frozen chicken thighs if you have to – simply increase cooking time 5-10 minutes (or more) depending upon how large your thighs are.
- Add-ins: feel free to add a variety of seasonings to add even more flavor to your chicken thighs such as: curry powder, store-bought chicken seasoning, thyme, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, etc.
- Microwave: while this isn’t our recommended method you can boil chicken thighs in the microwave by placing ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 15 minutes then check the internal temp with an internal meat thermometer. If it isn’t too temp yet continue microwaving at 3 minute intervals until an internal temp of 165 degrees F. has been reached.
- Storage: store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve: serve with roasted broccolini and some herbed potatoes!