Boil a Complete Hen

Boil a Complete Hen


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Studying methods to boil a complete hen is a good ability to have in your again pocket, particularly in the event you’re attempting to eat clear or meal prepping! This boiled hen is flavorful, juicy, and might simply be reworked right into a one-pot meal.

Not solely is boiled hen wholesome, juicy, and scrumptious, however you should use it in so many alternative methods. Attempt it out in any recipe that requires shredded or rotisserie hen. For those who’re in search of one other nice technique to put together your hen, do that shredded hen within the Prompt Pot!

A whole cooked chicken served with vegetables on a white serving dish.

The Finest Boiled Hen

Let’s speak boiled hen. For those who’re pondering it comes out rubbery and flavorless, assume once more. Boiling hen is definitely certainly one of my favourite methods to arrange it! Each time I take advantage of this recipe, the hen seems juicy, fork-tender, and completely scrumptious.

So why boil a complete hen as an alternative of simply hen breasts or thighs? There are a number of causes. One, once you boil a complete hen, the bones, pores and skin, and connective tissues infuse the broth with unimaginable flavors. The result’s a broth that’s bursting with deliciousness, and in flip provides any veggies you’re cooking it with a savory contact. Two, the pores and skin and bones act as a pure barrier to maintain all of the moisture in, making your hen extra scrumptious and tender. And three, simply take a look at that presentation!

Elements You Will Want

In addition to the entire hen and spices, be happy to throw in any veggies that you might have in your fridge! They grow to be so scrumptious when the prepare dinner within the hen’s pure broth. For precise measurements, take a look at the recipe card beneath.

  • Bone-In Complete Hen: The hen I used was about 6 kilos. Chances are you’ll want to regulate the cooking time somewhat relying on the dimensions of the hen you utilize.
  • Yellow Onions: Chopped yellow onions are a must-add for any hearty dish.
  • Complete Carrots: Reduce into 2-inch items. Is there something higher than chopped carrots which have been cooked in broth? They’re so tender and flavorful!
  • Celery Stalks: These additionally grow to be good and tender when cooked. Stews and roasts are one of the simplest ways to get your each day dose of veggies.
  • Complete Garlic Cloves: For a punch of savory taste.
  • Recent Herbs: Including recent herbs is a no brainer. They add the most effective taste and aromatics! I used recent parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
  • Salt: Assist to spice up the flavors of the boiled hen.
  • Complete Peppercorns: Including these in is one other nice technique to taste the hen.

How Lengthy to Boil a Complete Hen

Boiling a complete hen is extremely straightforward. Merely add your entire elements to a big pot, and let it do its factor! I really like how hands-off this recipe is. It provides you loads of time to make some facet dishes, or simply watch a number of episodes of your favourite TV present!

  1. Add Hen to Pot, Cowl With Herbs and Greens: Place the hen within the backside of a giant inventory pot. Then add the remainder of the elements on high and across the hen.
  2. Cowl With Water, Boil: Cowl all the things fully with water after which convey to a boil over excessive warmth.
  3. Simmer: As soon as your water has come to a rolling boil, cut back warmth to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will rely on the dimensions of the hen. When it’s accomplished, the interior temperature of the hen needs to be 165 levels Fahrenheit.
  4. Serve: Fastidiously take away the entire hen from the pot. Then shred and debone the hen and use it as desired for recipes.
  5. Save Hen Inventory: Pressure the hen inventory and put it aside for later use!
4-photo collage of vegetables being prepared and added to a large pot with a whole chicken and water.

Cooking Ideas

Get able to take pleasure in juicy and versatile meat that’s nice for a wide range of dishes. I’ve rounded up a number of of my favourite suggestions to verify your hen seems completely!

  • Use a Large Pot: Use a pot that may comfortably match the entire hen and permit area for the water to boil with out overflowing. A big stockpot or Dutch oven is an effective choice.
  • Examine for Doneness: To ensure the hen is cooked completely, you should use a meat thermometer. Examine that the interior temperature of the hen reaches 165 levels Fahrenheit (74°C).
  • Use For: You should utilize this boiled hen for mainly any hen recipe. Shred it and use it for tacos, hen salad, meal prep, protein bowls, soup, or wraps, slice it and use it for sandwiches, or depart the bones in and use it for hen wings!
  • Hen Broth: Save any leftover cooking liquid, that is the most effective hen inventory to make use of in your entire favourite recipes!

A bone-in chicken cooking in broth.

How Lengthy Does Boiled Hen Final?

In an hermetic container, your hen will final for about 4 days within the fridge. If you’d like it to last more, preserve it within the freezer in a freezer bag for two months. Thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.

Shredding a whole boiled chicken.


  • Place the hen within the backside of a giant inventory pot. Add the remainder of the elements on high and across the hen.

  • Cowl all the things fully with water and produce to a boil over excessive warmth.

  • As soon as your water has come to a rolling boil, cut back warmth to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will rely on the dimensions of the hen. The inner temperature of the hen needs to be 165 levels Fahrenheit.

  • Fastidiously take away the entire hen from the pot. Shred and debone the hen and use it as desired for recipes.

  • Pressure the hen inventory and put it aside for later use!



Serves: 4

Energy446kcal (22%)Carbohydrates8g (3%)Protein37g (74%)Fats29g (45%)Saturated Fats8g (40%)Polyunsaturated Fats6gMonounsaturated Fats12gTrans Fats0.2gLdl cholesterol143mg (48%)Sodium3648mg (152%)Potassium571mg (16%)Fiber3g (12%)Sugar3g (3%)Vitamin A5571IU (111%)Vitamin C12mg (15%)Calcium68mg (7%)Iron3mg (17%)

All dietary info relies on third social gathering calculations and is barely an estimate. Every recipe and dietary worth will differ relying on the manufacturers you utilize, measuring strategies and portion sizes per family.

Course Dinner

Delicacies American

Key phrase boiled hen, methods to boil a complete hen, complete hen boil



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