Methods to Boil a Entire Hen


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Studying the best way to boil a complete hen is a superb ability to have in your again pocket, particularly for those who’re making an attempt to eat clear or meal prepping! This boiled hen is flavorful, juicy, and may simply be reworked right into a one-pot meal.

Not solely is boiled hen wholesome, juicy, and scrumptious, however you need to use it in so many various methods. Strive it out in any recipe that requires shredded or rotisserie hen. For those who’re searching for one other nice approach to put together your hen, do this shredded hen within the Immediate Pot!

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

The Greatest Boiled Hen

Let’s discuss boiled hen. For those who’re pondering it comes out rubbery and flavorless, assume once more. Boiling hen is definitely one in every 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 just a few causes. One, while you boil a complete hen, the bones, pores and skin, and connective tissues infuse the broth with unbelievable flavors. The result’s a broth that’s bursting with deliciousness, and in flip offers 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!

Components You Will Want

In addition to the entire hen and spices, be at liberty to throw in any veggies that you will have in your fridge! They grow to be so scrumptious when the cook dinner within the hen’s pure broth. For actual measurements, try the recipe card beneath.

  • Bone-In Entire Hen: The hen I used was about 6 kilos. It’s possible you’ll want to regulate the cooking time just a little relying on the scale of the hen you employ.
  • Yellow Onions: Chopped yellow onions are a must-add for any hearty dish.
  • Entire 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 the easiest way to get your each day dose of veggies.
  • Entire Garlic Cloves: For a punch of savory taste.
  • Contemporary Herbs: Including recent herbs is a no brainer. They add one of the best taste and aromatics! I used recent parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
  • Salt: Assist to spice up the flavors of the boiled hen.
  • Entire Peppercorns: Including these in is one other nice approach to taste the hen.

How Lengthy to Boil a Entire Hen

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

  1. Add Hen to Pot, Cowl With Herbs and Greens: Place the hen within the backside of a big inventory pot. Then add the remainder of the components on prime and across the hen.
  2. Cowl With Water, Boil: Cowl every little thing fully with water after which deliver to a boil over excessive warmth.
  3. Simmer: As soon as your water has come to a rolling boil, scale back warmth to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will rely upon the scale of the hen. When it’s carried out, the inner temperature of the hen ought 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 reserve it 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 just a few of my favourite ideas to verify your hen seems completely!

  • Use a Huge 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 totally, you need to use a meat thermometer. Examine that the inner 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 one of the best hen inventory to make use of in all your 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 need it to last more, hold 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 big inventory pot. Add the remainder of the components on prime and across the hen.

  • Cowl every little thing fully with water and produce to a boil over excessive warmth.

  • As soon as your water has come to a rolling boil, scale back warmth to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will rely upon the scale of the hen. The inner temperature of the hen ought 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 reserve it 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 data relies on third get together calculations and is just an estimate. Every recipe and dietary worth will differ relying on the manufacturers you employ, measuring strategies and portion sizes per family.

Course Dinner

Delicacies American

Key phrase boiled hen, the best way to boil a complete hen, entire hen boil



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