How to Boil Chicken Breast: Tender & Juicy Method
How to Boil Chicken Breast: Tender & Juicy Method
The Ultimate Guide to Boiling Chicken Breast: Achieving Tenderness, Perfect Cooking Time, and Storage Tips
Chicken breast is an indispensable ingredient for anyone focusing on a healthy diet! It’s an affordable and versatile source of protein. By boiling a large batch at once and storing it properly, you can enjoy this staple for a long time. This recipe will guide you through the foolproof method of boiling chicken breast to achieve a tender, juicy, and flavor-rich result, free from any gamey taste. We’ll cover the ideal cooking time and essential tips for storing your perfectly boiled chicken breast.
Ingredients- Chicken breast (desired amount, recipe example: 1.5kg)
- Water (enough to fully submerge the chicken)
- 1 stalk of Green Onion (Scallion)
- 1 tsp Whole Peppercorns
- 10 cloves Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently rinse fresh, refrigerated chicken breast under cool running water to remove any surface impurities. If using frozen chicken breast, thaw it by soaking in milk for about 30 minutes; this helps to eliminate any unwanted odors.
Step 2
In a pot large enough to hold the chicken breast, add enough water to fully submerge it. Toss in the green onion stalk, whole peppercorns, and garlic cloves. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with flavor and neutralize any gamey taste.
Step 3
Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is vigorously boiling, carefully add the chicken breast. Adding chicken to cold water and then bringing it to a boil can cause the juices to escape, resulting in dry, tough meat. Introducing it to boiling water sears the outside quickly, helping to lock in moisture for a tender and succulent outcome.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let the chicken breast simmer for approximately 15 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and quantity of the chicken breast, so it’s a good idea to check for doneness midway through.
Step 5
After 15 minutes, remove one piece of chicken breast and cut into it to check if it’s fully cooked. It should be opaque white throughout with no pinkness. If it’s not quite done, simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 6
Once perfectly cooked, remove the chicken breast from the pot and let it cool slightly. Avoid slicing it while it’s piping hot, as this can also lead to juice loss. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before proceeding.
Step 7
Here’s a pro tip for storing your boiled chicken breast for the freezer: While airtight containers or zip-top bags work well, I prefer using plastic wrap like Glad wrap. Place the sliced chicken breast onto the plastic wrap, then fold another piece of wrap over it, ensuring there are no air pockets. Seal it tightly. This method allows for compact storage regardless of the chicken’s shape or size, and it makes microwaving for thawing incredibly convenient. Properly stored this way, your chicken breast can remain fresh for up to a month.
