Can You Boil Frozen Chicken?

Many home cooks have found themselves in a time crunch and wondered, can I just boil this frozen chicken for dinner tonight? The short answer is yes, you can boil frozen chicken, but there are some important guidelines to follow for proper food safety.

Why Boiling Frozen Chicken Can Be Risky

Dropping frozen chicken directly into boiling water can be dangerous for a couple reasons:

The outside of the chicken defrosts first, while the inside remains frozen. This can lead to uneven cooking.
Bacteria on the surface of the chicken can start multiplying rapidly in the warm exterior before the inside reaches a safe temperature.

For these reasons, the USDA advises against boiling frozen chicken or thawing it in hot water. So how can you safely boil chicken straight from the freezer?

Tips for Properly Boiling Frozen Chicken

With a few precautions, you can boil frozen chicken effectively:

Use a large pot and plenty of liquid to allow gentle simmering. This will help the chicken thaw gradually.
Keep the heat at a low simmer to prevent the outside from overcooking before the inside thaws.
Cover the pot with a lid to quicken the thawing process.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

What Temperature Should Frozen Chicken Reach?

According to the USDA, chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken.

Even if the chicken looks done on the outside, the center near the bone may still be undercooked if you boil frozen chicken incorrectly. Checking the internal temp is crucial for safety.

Equipment Needed to Boil Frozen Chicken

Before boiling chicken straight from the freezer, gather the following equipment:

A large stock pot or Dutch oven with lid. The chicken pieces must fit comfortably and be fully submerged.
Tongs for removing the cooked chicken safely.
An instant-read meat thermometer to check internal temperature.

Optional equipment that can be helpful includes:

A spider strainer for removing chicken pieces from the hot liquid.
A timer to track the boiling time once the liquid comes to a simmer.

Ingredients to Flavor the Boiling Liquid

For boiling frozen chicken, focus on using plenty of liquid. Water is fine, but chicken broth or stock will add flavor. Consider adding:

Aromatic vegetables: onion, carrot, celery, garlic
Herbs and spices: bay leaves, peppercorns, dried thyme, parsley
Acid: lemon juice or vinegar
Salt to season

Step-by-Step Instructions for Boiling Frozen Chicken

Follow these steps for safely cooking frozen chicken by boiling:

Fill a large pot with enough cold water or chicken broth to cover the chicken pieces fully. For every pound of chicken, use at least 2 cups of liquid.
Add the frozen chicken pieces and any aromatics or seasonings.
Place a tight-fitting lid on the pot and heat on high until simmering. Then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Simmer covered, turning chicken occasionally, for approximately 15 minutes per pound, until chicken thaws and reaches 165°F internally.
Check temperature in thickest part of chicken using an instant-read thermometer. If under 165°F, continue simmering and checking every 5 minutes until fully cooked.
Using tongs, remove each chicken piece from the pot and place on a clean platter. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

The boiling time will vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Bone-in parts take longer than boneless. Let the temperature guide you until you get a feel for timing.

How Long Does It Take to Boil Frozen Chicken?

Here are some general boiling times for frozen chicken at a gentle simmer:

Chicken breasts, bone-in or boneless – 25-30 minutes
Chicken thighs or drumsticks – 30-35 minutes
Chicken wings – 20-25 minutes
Chicken tenders or nuggets – 15-20 minutes
Whole chicken, 3-5 pounds – 45-60 minutes

The thickness of the chicken has a greater impact on cooking time than bone vs. boneless. Always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Tips for the Best Results Boiling Frozen Chicken

Here are some useful pointers for successfully boiling frozen chicken:

Use at least 2 cups liquid per pound of chicken so it can simmer gently and thaw evenly.
Bring the liquid to a boil before adding chicken so it immediately begins thawing.
Partially thaw larger pieces like whole chicken in the refrigerator overnight before boiling to reduce time.
Turn the chicken pieces occasionally while simmering for even exposure to heat.
Add fresh herbs right before serving for maximum flavor and color vibrancy.
Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute evenly.

How to Shred Boiled Chicken

After boiling frozen chicken, the meat should be moist and tender enough to shred easily. Here’s how to shred boiled chicken to serve in salads, sandwiches, wraps or tacos:

Using two forks or your fingers, start tearing chicken into pieces pulling along the grain of the meat.
Continue tearing the chicken until reduced to smaller shreds or bite-sized pieces.
For a smoother consistency, pulse the shredded chicken briefly in a food processor.

Store boiled shredded chicken in the refrigerator up to four days. It also freezes well for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe to Boil Chicken Straight from Frozen?

Yes, as long as you simmer the chicken gently in plenty of liquid until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This indicates any bacteria has been killed and it is safe to eat. Check temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.

Can You Thaw Chicken in Boiling Water?

No, do not thaw chicken by placing it directly into boiling water or even hot tap water. This can lead to uneven cooking and bacterial growth in the temperature “danger zone” between 40-140°F. Only thaw chicken in the refrigerator or submerged in cold water.

Is Boiling Better for Frozen or Thawed Chicken?

Thawed chicken is slightly better and safer to boil, as it will cook more evenly and reach a safe internal temperature faster. But boiling frozen chicken is still possible with the proper precautions.

How Long to Boil Frozen Chicken Drumsticks?

Allow about 30-35 minutes of simmering for frozen chicken drumsticks depending on size. Check internal temperature and boil longer if needed until 165°F.

Should You Defrost Chicken Before Boiling?

For best results, defrosting frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before boiling is recommended. This reduces the boiling time required. But for weeknight convenience, going straight from freezer to boiling is fine with careful temperature monitoring.

How is Boiled Chicken Different from Poached?

Poaching chicken involves simmering in liquid at temperatures close to 165°F until fully cooked. Boiling uses higher heat over 200°F to rapidly cook chicken immersed in liquid. The gentler poaching method results in moister meat.

Can You Add Frozen Chicken to a Soup or Stew?

Yes, you can safely add frozen chicken directly to soups, stews, chilis and braises as part of the cooking process. The liquid and simmering time gives it plenty of time to thaw and cook through fully.

Storing and Freezing Boiled Chicken

Properly stored, boiled chicken will last:

3-4 days refrigerated
4 months in freezer

To maximize freshness and shelf life:

Let chicken cool completely before packaging.
Store in airtight containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
Use freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
Avoid cross-contaminating cooked chicken with raw meats.

Delicious Ways to Use Boiled Chicken

Boiled chicken breast is great for easy meals or meal prep lunches. Here are some quick recipe ideas:

Chicken Salad – Shred chicken and mix with mayo, mustard, celery, onions.
Chicken Wraps – Spread hummus and veggies on tortilla. Top with shredded chicken.
Chicken Tacos – Warm tortillas and top with shredded chicken, salsa, avocado.
Chicken Soup – Simmer boiled chicken in chicken broth with veggies and noodles.

Next time you need a fast dinner, try boiling frozen chicken with the proper precautions. In less than an hour you’ll have juicy, tender chicken ready for whatever delicious recipe you have planned.