How Long to Boil Frozen Chicken Breast to Shred It Perfectly Every Time

If you’ve never done it before, cooking frozen chicken breast to shred can seem hard. Many home cooks want to know how long to boil frozen chicken breasts to get the best shreds. Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can follow to make delicious shredded chicken from frozen chicken breasts. Here is everything you need to know about how to boil frozen chicken breast to shred it.

Why Boil Frozen Chicken Breast for Shredding?

Boiling is one of the easiest and most foolproof cooking methods for frozen chicken breasts. It helps the chicken retain moisture and tenderness. The gentle boiling also infuses flavor into the chicken from any aromatics you add to the cooking liquid.

Shredded boiled chicken breast is extremely versatile. You can use it in tacos wraps sandwiches, casseroles, soups, and salads. Having shredded boiled chicken breast on hand makes it easy to throw together quick weeknight meals.

Boiling chicken straight from frozen helps streamline your cooking. There’s no need to wait for the chicken to thaw. Boiling also helps keep food safe, which can happen when chicken is thawed incorrectly.

How Long to Boil Frozen Chicken Breasts for Shredding

The cooking time will vary slightly depending on a few factors

• Size of chicken breasts – Smaller breasts will cook faster than large ones. Boneless breasts cook quicker than bone-in.

• Thickness – Thicker chicken breasts take longer than thin ones.

• State of frozen – Fully frozen chicken requires longer cooking than partially thawed.

• Quantity – The more chicken you boil, the longer the cooking time.

With those variables in mind, here are general guidelines:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6-8 oz): 12-15 minutes
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (8-10 oz): 15-18 minutes
• Chicken tenderloins/cutlets (2-3 oz): 7-9 minutes

For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. When the chicken reaches 165°F, it is safe to eat and ready to shred. If the chicken isn’t done yet, keep boiling it for 3 to 5 minutes at a time until it reaches 165°F.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect boiled shredded chicken breast every time:

1. Prepare your chicken

• For fully frozen chicken, don’t thaw it.
• Remove any packaging. Rinse under cold water to remove any ice crystals.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

2. Fill a pot with water

• The water should cover the chicken by 1-2 inches. This allows even cooking.
• For extra flavor, you can add seasonings to the water such as garlic, onions, herbs, lemon, etc.

3. Bring the water to a boil

• Put the pot over high heat and allow the water to come to a rapid boil.

4. Add the frozen chicken

• Gently lower the chicken into the boiling water.

5. Adjust the heat and simmer

• Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Let the chicken simmer gently until cooked through.

6. Check for doneness

• Use an instant-read thermometer to test the thickest part of the chicken.
• It should reach the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

7. Remove chicken and shred

• Take the chicken out of the water. Let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding.
• Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

8. Use the shredded chicken

• Add the chicken to your favorite recipes like sandwiches, burritos, casseroles and more!

Tips for Perfect Shredded Boiled Chicken Breast

Follow these tips for flawlessly cooked, juicy and tender boiled shredded chicken:

• Don’t overcook the chicken. It can make the meat dry and tough.

• Allow the cooked chicken to rest before shredding so it relaxes and reabsorbs juices.

• Shred across the grain of the meat fibers. This yields more tender shreds.

• Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container. Use within 3-4 days.

• To freeze, pack cooked chicken in freezer bags or containers. It will keep 6 months frozen.

Common Questions

Can you boil frozen chicken breasts without thawing?

Yes, you can boil chicken directly frozen. Just increase the cooking time. Ensure it reaches 165°F internally before shredding.

Does boiling chicken breast make it dry?

If boiled gently at a low simmer, chicken breast stays moist and juicy. Avoid vigorous boiling or overcooking which can toughen and dry out the meat.

How do you keep boiled chicken moist?

• Cook at a low simmer, not a rolling boil
• Use a thermometer and don’t overcook
• Let chicken rest after cooking before shredding
• Store shredded chicken in broth or sauce to keep moist

What’s the best way to shred chicken breast?

• Allow cooked chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before shredding
• Use two forks to pull chicken apart into shreds
• Shred across the grain for more tender texture

Can you freeze boiled shredded chicken?

Yes. Let it cool completely, then pack into airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen boiled chicken keeps 6 months. Thaw in fridge before using.

Enjoy Endless Possibilities with Shredded Chicken

This simple method makes it possible to have tasty shredded boiled chicken breast on hand at any time. Use it to quickly assemble wholesome meals for your family. Shred the chicken and use it in soups, tacos, casseroles, sandwiches, and more.

Next time you need an easy protein for dinner, try boiling up a batch of frozen chicken breasts. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have the ultimate versatile ingredient to add fast flavor to all your favorite dishes.