How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs on the Stove in Water: The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever stared at a package of chicken thighs wondering how the heck to cook them properly? I’ve been there too! After years of trial and error (and some embarrassingly rubbery chicken), I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about cooking chicken thighs on the stove in water – also known as poaching. This method is super easy, relatively quick, and results in juicy, tender chicken every time.

Why Poaching Chicken Thighs is a Game-Changer

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cooking times, lemme tell you why cooking chicken thighs in water on the stove (poaching) might become your new favorite method

• Super moist results – no dry chicken here!
• Healthier than frying – no added oils needed
• Creates tasty broth as a bonus
• Works for bone-in or boneless thighs
• Can be flavored in countless ways

The Basic Poaching Method

Here’s my simple method that works like a charm every time

1. Place chicken thighs in a single layer in a large pan
2. Add enough water to cover the chicken by about 1 inch
3. Add salt and any desired seasonings
4. Bring to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil!)
5. Reduce heat to maintain the simmer
6. Cook until done (timing details below!)

Cooking Times for Chicken Thighs in Water

Alright, here’s what you came for! The exact cooking times depend on a few factors:

Remember, these are just guidelines! The true test is the internal temperature. You want your chicken thighs to reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If you don’t have a thermometer (you should really get one!), cut into the thickest part – the meat should be opaque with no pink showing.

My Favorite Flavor Boosters

Plain water works fine, but why not take your poached chicken thighs to the next level? I always add these to my poaching liquid:

• Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)
• Garlic cloves (3-4, lightly crushed)
• Black peppercorns (1 tablespoon)
• Salt (1 tablespoon per quart of water)

Other awesome additions:

• Lemon slices
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
• Onion quarters
• Ginger slices
• Soy sauce (a splash)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Poached Chicken Thighs

1. Prepare your chicken thighs: If using skin-on thighs and you want to keep the skin, I recommend searing them skin-side down in the pan for 3-4 minutes before adding water. This gives a nicer texture to the skin. Otherwise, just place them in the pan.

2. Add your liquids and flavorings: Cover the chicken with cold water by about an inch. Add your salt and chosen flavorings.

3. Bring to a simmer: Place over medium heat until the water begins to simmer. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan. DON’T let it come to a full boil – that’s too hot and will toughen the meat!

4. Reduce heat and cook: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pan if you like, but it’s not necessary.

5. Check for doneness: After the minimum cooking time for your type of thigh, check the internal temperature or cut into one to check. Remember, 165°F is your target!

6. Rest before serving: This step is super important! Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cutting or shredding. This helps the juices redistribute.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

We all mess up sometimes! Here’s how to fix common issues:

• Tough, rubbery chicken: Your simmer was probably too high. Next time, keep the heat lower for a gentler cook.

• Chicken still pink inside: Simply continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes and check again.

• Flavorless chicken: Your poaching liquid probably needed more salt and aromatics. Don’t be shy with the seasonings!

• Skin fell off during cooking: This is normal for skin-on thighs cooked in water. If you want crispy skin, try a different cooking method or remove the poached thighs and broil them briefly.

What to Do With Your Poached Chicken Thighs

The beauty of this cooking method is its versatility! Here are some of my fave ways to use poached chicken thighs:

• Shred for tacos, enchiladas, or burritos
• Slice and add to salads
• Cube and make chicken salad
• Use in soup (bonus: you already have broth!)
• Add to pasta dishes
• Serve whole with some of the cooking liquid as a sauce

Don’t Waste That Liquid Gold!

After poaching, you’re left with a flavorful broth. PLEASE don’t pour it down the drain! Strain it and:

• Use as a base for soup
• Cook rice or grains in it
• Freeze in ice cube trays for future recipes
• Make a quick sauce by reducing it and adding a pat of butter

Final Thoughts and Tips

I’ve been cooking chicken thighs this way for years, and I’ve learned a few extra tricks:

• Starting with cold (not hot) water helps the chicken cook more evenly
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed
• If you’re meal prepping, slightly undercook the thighs (to about 160°F) if you plan to reheat them later
• The poaching liquid can be reused once or twice – just bring it to a full boil between batches

What’s your favorite way to season poached chicken? Drop me a comment below – I’m always looking for new flavor combos to try!

Cooking chicken thighs on the stove typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on whether they are boneless or bone-in, and whether they have skin on them.