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A boiled chicken thigh on a plate with salt and pepper and parsley garnish.

How Long to Boil Chicken Thighs

  • Author: Erin Jensen
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American

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
  • 46 bone-in chicken thighs
  • water
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt or 1 chicken bouillon cube 
  • (optional) 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 

Instructions

  1. Place chicken thighs in a large saucepan filled 3/4 with water (chicken should have at least 2 inches of water above it). 
  2. Add salt or bouillon cube and onions (if using).
  3. 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). 
  4. 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!

Keywords: how long to boil chicken thighs, boiled chicken thighs