How Long Does a Whole Chicken Take to Boil? The Complete Guide

Boiling a whole chicken is one of the quickest, easiest and most budget-friendly ways to cook chicken. The resulting tender, juicy meat can then be used in a variety of dishes from chicken noodle soup to chicken salad sandwiches. But exactly how long does it take to boil a whole chicken?

The boiling time can range quite a bit based on the size of the chicken as well as whether it’s fresh or frozen. With a few tips, you’ll be able to perfectly boil a whole chicken every time.

Factors That Affect Boiling Time

There are several factors that will determine how long to boil a whole chicken:

• Weight – A small 3 lb chicken will boil faster than a 6 lb chicken. Go by the general rule of boiling for 15-20 minutes per pound.

• Fresh vs, Frozen – Frozen chicken will take about 50% longer to boil than fresh chicken

• Cooking Method – Keeping the pot at a low simmer will result in juicier meat compared to vigorously boiling.

• Altitude – At higher altitudes, you’ll need to increase boiling time by a few minutes.

• Bone-in vs. Boneless – Chicken cooked on the bone tends to be more moist. Boneless will cook faster.

• Brining – Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine before cooking infuses flavor and moisture that keeps it tender.

So as you can see, there is no one exact boiling time for whole chicken. But the sections below will arm you with estimates.

How Long to Boil a Small Whole Chicken

For a 3-4 lb whole chicken (fresh), the boiling time will be:

• 30-40 minutes at a gentle simmer

• Check the internal temperature at the thickest part using a meat thermometer after 30 minutes. It should read 165°F when done.

• Add more time in 5 minute increments if needed until fully cooked.

For a 3-4 lb whole frozen chicken, the boiling time will be approximately:

• 60 minutes at a gentle simmer

• Verify it has reached an internal temp of 165°F with a meat thermometer before removing from the pot.

How Long to Boil a Large Whole Chicken

For a 5-7 lb whole fresh chicken, you’ll need:

• 45-60 minutes at a gentle simmer

• Check temperature at 45 minutes, and continue cooking if needed until 165°F.

For a 5-7 lb whole frozen chicken, plan on:

• 75-90 minutes at a gentle simmer

• Check internal temp with a meat thermometer at 75 minutes and cook longer in increments of 5-10 minutes if required.

Tips for Perfectly Boiled Chicken

Follow these tips for ensuring your boiled chicken turns out juicy and tender:

• Use a tall, narrow pot so the chicken fits snugly.

• Add aromatic vegetables and herbs to the pot like onion, carrot, celery, garlic, parsley, thyme. They infuse flavor into the meat and broth.

• Maintain a gentle simmer – don’t let the water come to a vigorous boil which can make the meat dry.

• Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness rather than relying on time alone.

• Let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

• Save the resulting broth! Use it to make soups or gravy.

What If I’m Unsure of the Chicken’s Weight?

If you don’t know the exact weight of the whole chicken, here are some estimates:

• Small whole chicken is around 3-4 lbs
• Medium whole chicken is approx 4-5 lbs
• Large whole chicken is usually 6-7 lbs

You can always weigh chicken on a kitchen scale if unsure. Or go by general appearance – small chickens are often labeled “fryer chickens.”

For chickens that don’t neatly fit these categories, I suggest starting by boiling for 20 minutes per lb as noted earlier. So for a 4.5 lb chicken, start with 90 minutes. Then verify doneness with a thermometer before removing from heat.

Storing and Reheating Boiled Chicken

Once boiled, you can refrigerate the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage.

To reheat, sliced or shredded chicken can be gently warmed on the stovetop with a bit of broth or water. Or reheat pieces in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 15-20 minutes.

Portion chicken into freezer bags or containers before freezing for easy use later. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Delicious Ways to Use Boiled Chicken

The boiled chicken meat now ready to go into your favorite recipes like:

• Chicken noodle or rice soup
• Chicken tortilla soup
• Chicken salad sandwiches
• Chicken enchiladas
• Chicken & veggie stir fry
• Chicken pot pie or casserole

The possibilities are endless! A whole boiled chicken can feed an entire family for several meals throughout the week.

So as you can see, how long to boil a whole chicken can range quite a bit based on its size and whether frozen or fresh. For best results, follow the tips above and use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time. Then get ready to enjoy tasty boiled chicken!

Boiling a whole chicken typically takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the chicken. A smaller chicken (around 2.6lbs) may be done in 40-50 minutes, while a larger one (around 5.5lbs) could take up to 1.5 to 1.75 hours.

To make chicken broth, simmer the chicken and aromatics (like vegetables and herbs) for at least 1 hour, but 2-6 hours is common for richer flavor. Longer simmering times (up to 24 hours) can be used for a more intense flavor and gelatinous broth.