Boiling Bbq Chicken: How Long Is Too Long?

Boiling chicken is a great way to prepare chicken that's tender, juicy, and delicious. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts and whether they have bones. For a BBQ, boiling chicken before grilling can make the meat softer and more tender. However, it is easy to overcook the meat, which will affect its flavour and moisture. To avoid this, you can poach the chicken instead, which involves cooking it in water at a temperature between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it will take about 12-15 minutes to boil, while bone-in chicken breasts will take about 25-30 minutes.

Boiling vs. poaching chicken

Boiling and poaching chicken are both wet heat cooking methods that use water as the primary heat source. However, there are some key differences between the two techniques.

Boiling chicken involves submerging the chicken in water or another liquid, such as broth or wine, and heating it to the boiling point of 212 °F. This method can be suitable for food items that are not delicate, but it can easily overcook the chicken, making it dry and tough. Boiling is a convenient way to prepare chicken for BBQ as it makes the meat softer and more tender. It is also a good option for meal prep, batch cooking, or adding to casseroles, soups, or salads.

On the other hand, poaching chicken is a much gentler cooking method. It involves heating the liquid to a temperature between 160 and 180 °F, which is just below the simmering point. This range of temperatures ensures that the chicken cooks gently, retaining its moisture and tenderness. Poaching is particularly suitable for delicate foods such as fish, eggs, and chicken. It is also a good option for those who want to avoid using oil or butter in their cooking.

When poaching chicken, it is important to start with a flavorful liquid. For chicken, this could be chicken stock with added aromatics such as celery leaves, onions, parsley stems, peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic. Acidic ingredients like white wine or lemon juice can also enhance the flavor of the poaching liquid. The chicken is then placed in the liquid and cooked gently until done.

Both boiling and poaching chicken can result in tender and juicy meat, but the lower temperature of poaching makes it a better option for those who want to avoid overcooking their chicken. Poaching also allows for more control over the cooking process, as the chicken is less likely to overcook and toughen.

For BBQ chicken, boiling or poaching the meat before grilling can help add moisture and flavor. However, it is important to be careful not to overcook the chicken during the boiling or poaching process, as this can affect its final texture and taste.

Marinating and brining chicken

There are two main ways to prepare chicken for a BBQ. You can either boil or poach the chicken and then finish it on the grill, or you can marinate or brine it before cooking.

Marinating chicken

When you marinate chicken, you soak it in sauce and then refrigerate it for a few hours. You can marinate the meat in barbecue sauce or make your own marinade with olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper. You can also try using pomegranate juice, which has been shown to help preserve chicken meat and enhance its texture.

If you are going to use a store-bought BBQ sauce, be aware that some sources advise against marinating chicken in BBQ sauce, as the high sugar content can cause the chicken to burn. However, others recommend it, stating that it makes the chicken tender and infuses flavor into the meat. If you do decide to marinate chicken in a BBQ sauce, it is best to do so for a short period of time, as the marinade can break down the proteins in the chicken, affecting its texture. Most sources recommend marinating for at least two hours but no longer than 24 hours.

Brining chicken

Brining is another method of moisturizing chicken before cooking. While traditional marinades use a sauce to cover the meat, brining requires full submersion of the chicken in liquid while it rests. To brine your chicken, start by selecting a bowl that can fit all of your chicken. Then, fill the container with water and something else like broth or wine for extra flavor. Next, add a generous amount of salt. If you are using non-iodized salt, add a quarter cup for every 4 cups of water. Once the salt is added, you can move on to other spices such as basil, bay leaf, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Leave the brine for a few hours or overnight. When you're ready to grill the chicken, simply remove it from the brine, pat it dry with a towel, and throw it on the grill.

An alternative to traditional brining is dry brining. Dry brining is a simple process that involves rubbing your chicken with salt (and sometimes spices and other aromatics) and letting it sit before cooking. The salt draws out moisture from the skin, and the dry environment of the fridge helps the skin dry out further, resulting in crispier, more texturally satisfying chicken. It is recommended to leave the chicken in the fridge uncovered for at least an hour, but for the best results, leave it for 24 hours.

Cooking times for different cuts

The cooking time for chicken depends on the cooking method and the cut of chicken being cooked. Here is a general guide to cooking times for different cuts of chicken:

• Whole chicken: A whole chicken will take longer to cook compared to chicken cuts or boneless, skinless breasts. A 5-pound chicken will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If the chicken is stuffed, it will take around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
• Chicken breast: Chicken breasts are one of the most popular cuts of chicken. Boneless chicken breasts take around 25-30 minutes to cook in an oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bone-in chicken breasts will take longer, around 35-40 minutes. When grilling, a 4-ounce boneless breast will take 6-9 minutes per side, while a 6-ounce bone-in breast will take 10-15 minutes per side.
• Chicken tenderloin: Chicken tenderloins are small, tender cuts of meat that cook quickly. Breaded chicken tenderloins will take 15-20 minutes to bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grilled tenderloins will take 4-5 minutes per side for a 2-3 ounce piece.
• Chicken wings: Chicken wings are a popular appetizer or party food. They can be grilled, baked, or fried. Regardless of the cooking method, it is essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Roasted chicken wings will take 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while grilled wings will take 8 minutes per side. Fried wings will take 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks are a favorite for grilling or barbecuing. They should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, with the meat near the bone taking longer to cook. Baked drumsticks will take 35-45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while grilled drumsticks will take 20-25 minutes.
• Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are known for their juicy and flavorful meat. It is important to cook this dark meat cut thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. Boneless chicken thighs will take 20-30 minutes to bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while bone-in thighs will take 35-45 minutes. Grilled chicken thighs will take 5-10 minutes per side.

It is always best to follow recommended cooking times and temperatures provided in recipes or by the USDA. Additionally, it is important to properly thaw chicken before cooking and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking to ensure juicy and flavorful meat.

How to store boiled chicken

Boiled chicken can be stored in a few different ways, depending on whether you want to store it in the fridge or freezer.

To store boiled chicken in the fridge, you should let it cool completely, then transfer it to a storage container. Cover the container and refrigerate for up to three days. Make sure to refrigerate the chicken within two hours of cooking to maximise its shelf life.

If you want to store boiled chicken in the freezer, follow the same steps as above, but it will stay good for up to two months. Be sure to label and date your freezer-safe container.

You can also store the broth from the boiled chicken. To do this, place the broth in a sturdy storage container and cover it. You can then chill the broth for up to two days or freeze it for up to two months. Alternatively, you can freeze the broth in ice cube trays to use as flavour boosters.

Adding flavour to boiled chicken

Boiling chicken is a great way to prepare chicken that's tender, juicy, and full of flavour. Here are some tips to enhance the flavour of boiled chicken:

Choose a Flavourful Liquid

Instead of just boiling the chicken in water, opt for a more flavourful liquid such as chicken broth, apple cider, dry white wine, or a combination thereof. This will infuse your chicken with a more robust flavour.

Add Aromatics and Spices

Enhance the flavour of your cooking liquid by adding aromatics such as onion wedges, carrot pieces, celery pieces, garlic cloves, and herbs. Spices like peppercorns, paprika, and cayenne pepper can also be used to add depth and warmth to the dish.

Marinate or Brine the Chicken

Before boiling, try marinating the chicken in a sauce or brine. To make a brine, submerge the chicken in a mixture of water, broth or wine, salt, and spices like basil, bay leaf, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Leave the chicken in the brine for a few hours or overnight, then pat it dry before boiling.

Poach the Chicken

Instead of a full boil, try poaching the chicken at a lower temperature between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This method is gentler and helps retain moisture in the meat. Poaching also allows for more even cooking, preventing the chicken from drying out.

Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breasts

When boiling chicken, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. The bones and skin will add extra flavour to the meat and the broth. This method is especially good if you want to use the cooking liquid as a tasty broth for soups or other dishes.

Enhance with Citrus and Fresh Herbs

Adding a bit of lemon zest or juice can brighten up the flavour of your boiled chicken. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme also enhance the savouriness of the dish.

Try Bold Seasonings

If you're looking for a bolder flavour profile, experiment with seasonings like Cajun seasoning, soy sauce, ginger powder, sesame oil, BBQ spice rub, or liquid smoke. These seasonings can take your boiled chicken to the next level.

Frequently asked questions