It’s easy to get dry, overcooked chicken when you grill it if you’re not careful. Boiled chicken is a great way to make sure it stays moist and tasty after being cooked on the grill. But how long should you boil chicken breasts before putting them on the grill? Let’s talk about this method in detail.
Why Boiling Chicken Breast Helps
Briefly boiling chicken breasts before grilling is a good idea for a few main reasons.
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Even cooking – Boiling partially cooks the chicken so it heats evenly on the grill preventing undercooked meat.
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Extra moisture – The boiling process helps chicken breasts retain moisture vs other cooking methods.
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Infuses flavor – You can add herbs, spices, citrus etc. to the boiling water to impart extra flavor.
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Tenderizes – Boiling begins to gently break down proteins, tenderizing the meat.
So by starting chicken in boiling water, you’re setting yourself up for ideally cooked, juicy, and flavorful grill results.
Recommended Boil Times
The boiling time can vary based on factors like chicken breast size and thickness. Here are general guidelines:
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Small chicken breasts (4-6 oz): Boil for 10-12 minutes
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Average sized chicken breasts (6-8 oz): Boil for 12-15 minutes
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Large/thick chicken breasts (8 oz+): Boil for 15-18 minutes
Checking for doneness along the way with a meat thermometer is helpful. Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F when done.
Step-By-Step Boiling Method
Boiling chicken breasts before grilling is simple to do:
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Season (optional) – Season chicken with salt, pepper, herbs etc. if desired. This adds flavor.
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Boil – Place chicken in a pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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Simmer – Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for recommended time.
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Cool – Remove chicken from water and allow to cool for easier handling.
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Marinate (optional) – At this point you can marinate for added flavor.
And now your chicken is ready for the grill!
Grilling Tips
Once your chicken breasts are boiled, follow these tips for grilling:
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Preheat grill to medium heat
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Grill breasts 6-8 minutes per side with grill lid closed
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Use meat thermometer to check 165°F
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Avoid flipping chicken too often
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving
Flavoring Ideas
Seasoning the boiling water is key for infusing extra flavor. Try:
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Lemon, lime, orange slices
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Fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage
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Spices – garlic, onion, peppercorns
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Soy sauce, teriyaki
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Wine, beer
Experiment with marinades and rubs too. Get creative!
Mistakes to Avoid
When boiling chicken breasts before grilling, keep these tips in mind:
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Don’t overboil – This can lead to dry, rubbery meat
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Don’t crowd chicken – Allow space for even cooking
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Don’t ignore food safety – Prevent cross-contamination
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Don’t char chicken – Avoid very high grill heat
The Benefits of Boiling Before Grilling
Boiling chicken breasts briefly before tossing them on the grill offers several advantages:
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Juicier meat – Boiling seals in moisture
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Tender texture – Cooking in liquid tenderizes chicken
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No undercooking – Boiling first ensures chicken cooks through
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Versatile flavor – Seasoning boiling liquid adds taste
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Faster grilling – Partially cooked chicken grills more quickly
So if you find grilled chicken often turns out dry or unevenly cooked, try boiling your chicken breasts first. In 10-15 minutes of easy boiling, you can totally transform the end result!
When you fire up the grill again, remember this tip for always getting a chicken breast that is very tender, juicy, and tasty. Get ready to eat the best chicken you’ve ever had on a grill!
Moist and Tender Cooked Chicken
When you want silky, tender chicken without a lot of fuss or fanfare, this chicken recipe is the way to go. The chicken cooks gently, retaining much more moisture than with other cooking methods. It’s also helpful to season the chicken while it’s cooking by adding herbs and other spices to the poaching liquid. At the end, you’ll have a tasty broth.
Add Flavor to Your Boiled Chicken
For seasoning the poaching liquid during cooking, I most frequently use peppercorns, bay leaves, lemon slices, and garlic. You could also think about using sliced ginger, sliced scallions, fresh rosemary or thyme, or orange slices.
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How to Boil Chicken Breast | The Right Way!
FAQ
How long should I boil chicken before grilling?
To properly parboil chicken before grilling, you should simmer it for 15-20 minutes after the water reaches a boil.
How long do you boil a chicken breast to get it tender?
How Long To Boil Chicken BreastThin chicken cutlets will cook in about 8 minutes. Larger boneless chicken breasts need 12 to 15 minutes. Bone-in chicken breasts take around 20 minutes.
How long to pre-cook chicken breast before grilling?
To prepare chicken for grilling by boiling, you typically want to boil it for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps to partially cook the chicken, making it tender and ensuring it stays juicy on the grill.
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.