This boiled chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare chicken breasts. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, the chicken is cooked with aromatic garlic and onion, making it tender and juicy. Serve it with your favorite sides or use it in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep boneless, skinless chicken breasts on hand, you will need to pick some up from the supermarket. Fresh garlic and a quartered onion are also essential for adding depth of flavor to the boiled chicken.

Ingredients for Boiled Chicken Recipe
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein source for the recipe.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Smashed cloves infuse the chicken with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Onion: Quartered to release its natural sweetness and enhance the broth.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure the chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider brining them before boiling. Create a simple brine by dissolving salt and sugar in water, then submerge the chicken for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will help the meat retain moisture and enhance its natural flavors.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative.
boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can mimic the texture of chicken when boiled.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral profile.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a unique twist.
ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used, but in smaller quantities.
smashed garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic.
smashed garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.
quartered onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a milder, sweeter flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
quartered onion - Substitute with scallions: Scallions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct substitute.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy chicken.
- Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Store the boiled chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the freezer bag or container with the date and contents. This makes it easier to identify and use within the recommended time frame.
- Frozen boiled chicken can be stored for up to 3 months. For best quality, use it within this period.
- To thaw frozen chicken, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw the chicken in a microwave using the defrost setting. Be sure to cook it immediately after thawing to ensure food safety.
- Once thawed, use the chicken in your favorite soups, salads, or sandwiches. It’s a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the boiled chicken in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Heat for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through.
Stovetop Method:
- Slice the boiled chicken into smaller pieces for even heating.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and stir occasionally.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
Microwave Method:
- Place the boiled chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
- Continue to heat in 30-second intervals until the chicken is hot.
Steaming Method:
- Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place the boiled chicken in a steamer basket over the simmering water.
- Cover the pot and steam for about 5-10 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
Sous Vide Method:
- Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
- Place the boiled chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the bag and serve immediately.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: A spacious container to hold the chicken and enough water for boiling.
Lid: Used to cover the pot and help maintain a consistent simmer.
Tongs: Handy for safely removing the chicken from the hot water.
Cutting board: A stable surface to rest and slice the cooked chicken.
Chef's knife: Essential for slicing the chicken breasts after they have rested.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the salt and black pepper.
Garlic press: Useful for smashing the garlic cloves, though you can also use the flat side of a knife.
Kitchen timer: Helps keep track of the 30-minute simmering time.
Colander: Optional, for draining the chicken if you prefer not to use tongs.
Serving platter: A clean surface to place the sliced chicken before serving.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use a pressure cooker: Cut the cooking time in half by using a pressure cooker instead of boiling the chicken breasts in a pot.
Prep ingredients ahead: Smash the garlic and quarter the onion the night before to save time when you start cooking.
Batch cooking: Cook extra chicken breasts and store them in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
Flavor boosters: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pot for extra flavor without extra effort.
Quick cooling: Place the cooked chicken in an ice bath to cool it down faster, making it easier to slice.
Boiled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper ground
- 2 cloves Garlic smashed
- 1 piece Onion quartered
Instructions
- 1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
- 2. Add chicken breasts, salt, black pepper, garlic, and onion to the pot.
- 3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- 4. Remove chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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