Cooking chicken legs by boiling is a simple and delicious method that results in flavorful tender meat when done properly. However many home cooks struggle to know exactly how long to boil chicken legs to achieve the ideal texture and doneness.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a detailed overview of boiling times for chicken legs based on their size, whether they are fresh or frozen, and other key factors. Follow these tips and techniques to master the art of boiling chicken legs for your next hearty dinner or meal prep!
Understanding Boiling Chicken Legs
Boiling utilizes moist heat to gently cook the chicken legs in hot liquid until just cooked through. This method tenderizes the meat while retaining moisture and flavor.
Compared to chicken breasts, legs contain more collagen connective tissue and fat, so they are well-suited for moist cooking techniques like boiling The end result is succulent, fall-off-the-bone chicken that makes for satisfying eats.
When boiling chicken legs, it is essential to use the proper cooking times to prevent over or undercooking. This guide will provide the ideal boiling durations.
How Long to Boil Chicken Legs Based on Size
The cooking time can vary substantially depending on the size of the chicken legs. Here are reliable boiling times based on the weight of drumsticks or thighs:
- Small (6-8 oz): 20-25 minutes
- Medium (8-10 oz): 25-30 minutes
- Large (10-12 oz): 30-35 minutes
For the most accurate results, weigh your chicken legs instead of estimating size. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
As a rule of thumb, budget 30-40 minutes of total boiling time for chicken legs. Monitor them closely towards the end to prevent overcooking.
Fresh vs. Frozen Chicken Legs
Another factor that impacts boiling times is whether you are using fresh or frozen chicken legs.
- Fresh legs: Follow the cooking times outlined above
- Frozen legs: Add 10-15 minutes of extra boiling time
Be sure to fully thaw frozen chicken legs before boiling to enable even cooking. Place them in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking.
Tips for Boiling Chicken Legs Perfectly
Follow these handy tips for flawless boiled chicken legs every time:
- Use a large pot and add legs in a single layer
- Cover with water by 1-2 inches
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer
- Skim off any foam or impurities
- Season the poaching liquid with salt, herbs, etc.
- Use a thermometer and boil until 165°F internally
- Drain and serve, or use for recipes like chicken salad
Don’t overlook properly resting the chicken legs before serving. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes after boiling to allow juices to redistribute.
Avoid Common Boiling Mistakes
To achieve tender boiled chicken legs, sidestep these common errors:
- Boiling at too high a temperature, causing overcooking
- Not using enough liquid to fully submerge legs
- Skipping seasoning of the poaching liquid
- Failing to take leg size and frozen vs. fresh into account
- Neglecting to use a meat thermometer for accuracy
Tips for Using Boiled Chicken Legs
Once boiled to perfection, chicken legs are extremely versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- Enjoy as is with your favorite sauces or spices
- Shred or dice for chicken salads, sandwiches, wraps etc.
- Slice and add to pastas, risottos, soups and stews
- Dice and use in casseroles like chicken pot pie or enchiladas
- Pair with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or rice pilaf
You can also save the flavorful poaching liquid for soups, gravies and more. It captures the essence of the chicken.
When armed with the proper boiling times and techniques, you can achieve mouthwatering boiled chicken legs anytime. Keep leg size, fresh vs. frozen status, and doneness temperature in mind.
Mastering the simple art of boiling chicken legs opens up a world of possibilities for nourishing family meals and effortless meal prepping. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked chicken and let flavorful boiled legs become a go-to dish in your repertoire.
How to boil chicken thighs
- Place chicken thighs in your stockpot.
- Cover with water, bring to a boil, and boil until fully cooked.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and broil until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Step 1: Place your chicken thighs in the bottom of a large stockpot. They can overlap and stack on top of each other.
Step 2: Add cold water to your stockpot to fully submerge the chicken in the water. I like to fill the pot to within a couple of inches from the top.
Step 3: Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, add the chicken bouillon, and continue cooking the chicken thighs at a gentle boil for 20-30 minutes. Check for doneness using a digital instant-read thermometer.
Chicken is fully cooked when it has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked chicken will no longer be pink, juices will run clear, and the meat will easily shred and pull away from the bone.
Step 4: When fully cooked, use a slotted spoon or kitchen tongs to remove the thighs from the water. I like to press the thighs against the side of the pot to squeeze as much water out of them as possible.
Place the cooked thighs on a rimmed baking sheet skin-side up.
Step 5: Broil the thighs on high until the skin is golden brown and crisp. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes.
Crisping up the skin could also be achieved on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet. Sear the chicken skin-side down in a little olive oil in your skillet. I prefer the broiler method, though, because its easier and less messy.
Remove the boiled chicken from the oven and serve immediately!
How to store, freeze, and reheat
How to store: Store leftover chicken thigh meat in a glass, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to freeze: Shredded frozen chicken is a convenient way to have pre-cooked chicken on hand for easy meals. I prefer to remove the chicken from the bone, shred it, let it fully cool, and then portion it out into airtight freezer bags. Frozen chicken will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to reheat: You can reheat bone-in chicken thighs in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Reheat leftover chicken thighs in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, loosely covered in foil, for 15-20 minutes.
How long should you boil chicken legs?
FAQ
How long does it take to boil drumsticks?
Is 30 minutes enough to boil chicken?
That depends on the size of the breasts and whether they have bones. Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: cook for about 30 minutes (That would mean boiling frozen chicken for about 45 minutes), or until 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: cook 12 to 15 minutes.Apr 28, 2025
How long to boil chicken until it falls off the bone?
Place chicken in a large pot with onion, carrots, celery, and peppercorns; add water to cover by 1 inch. Cover the pot and bring to a boil; reduce heat to a gentle boil and cook until meat falls off the bone, about 90 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and let sit until cool enough to handle.
Is 30 minutes long enough to cook chicken legs?
Bake the chicken leg quarters or thigh-drumstick pieces uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F on your meat …Dec 17, 2024