Are you looking to make a delicious meal with chicken legs but not sure how long to boil chicken legs on stove? Don’t worry – we got you covered! Boiling chicken legs on the stove can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you know the timing before adding any form of flavor or sauce, you can create restaurant-quality dinners for your family in no time!
In this article, we will provide everything you need to know about how long to boil chicken legs on stove, including what type of chicken people often use, timing considerations such as internal temperature, and other tips for successful cooking. Let’s get started and learn all about boiling chicken legs on the stove together.
Is It Good to Boil Chicken Legs on Stove?
The answer is yes! Boiling chicken legs on the stove gives you greater control over the cooking process. You can adjust the heat to make sure your chicken does not overcook, as well as add herbs, spices, and other seasonings for maximum flavor.
Which Temp is Good for Boiling Chicken Legs?
The best temperature for boiling chicken legs on the stove is between 160°F to 170°F. This temperature is hot enough to ensure that the chicken is cooked through, and also helps to reduce the risk of overcooking. If you are cooking a large number of chicken legs, you may need to adjust your heat accordingly in order to maintain an even temperature throughout the pot.
How Long to Boil Chicken Legs on Stove?
The time needed to boil chicken legs on the stove (even it is thighs, drumsticks or quarters) depends on the size of your poultry and if they have been cooked beforehand.
- For raw chicken legs, it should take between 20-30 minutes for them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C (following USDA‘s warning). However, it’s important to note that cooking times can also vary depending on how much water you’re using.
- For chicken legs that have already been cooked, the boiling time will be much shorter. These chicken legs should only need to be boiled for 10 minutes on the stove in order to heat them through. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken leg and remove it from the stove when it has reached 145°F or 63°C.
Keep on reading to get more specific information about how long to boil chicken legs on stove.
#1 Boneless Chicken Legs
Boneless chicken legs are one of the most popular types of chicken used for boiling. This type of chicken is generally easier to cook on the stove, as it’s much thinner than a regular bone-in leg. Boneless chicken can also be cut into smaller pieces before cooking, allowing for them to reach an internal temperature more quickly and evenly.
Depending on how thick your boneless chicken legs are, it should take between 10-15 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C when boiled on the stove.
#2 Bone-In Chicken Legs
How long to boil chicken legs on stove, but bone-in ones? Do they take more time to finish? The answer is yes. Bone-in chicken legs will require more time than boneless when boiling on the stove. This is because bone-in chicken legs are usually much thicker than boneless, making it harder for them to heat through.
When boiling bone-in chicken legs on the stove, you should expect it to take between 20-25 minutes for them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C.
#3 Frozen Chicken Legs
Frozen chicken legs can also be boiled on the stove, although it will take a bit longer than if they were thawed first. Frozen chicken legs should be boiled for 30-40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C.
If you are short on time, you can always try defrosting the chicken legs in hot water before boiling them on the stove. This will help to speed up the cooking process and get dinner on the table faster.
After knowing how long to boil chicken legs on stove with various types of chicken legs, you may ask yourself how to know your meal is ready. Keep your eyes on the next part to get it!
Signs to Know Your Chicken Legs are Well-Cooked
Once your chicken legs have boiled on the stove, you will want to make sure they are cooked all the way through. The best way to do this is by using a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken leg. If it has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F or 63°C, then your chicken legs are safe to eat.
You can also check for signs of doneness, such as checking the color of the chicken and making sure there is no pink in the center. If you are still unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and cook your chicken legs a bit longer before serving.
Tips for Successfully Boiling Chicken Legs on Stove
When boiling chicken legs on the stove, there are a few tips that can help make sure your meal is cooked perfectly every time:
- Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Once it is boiling, add your chicken legs and reduce the heat to medium-low. This will help ensure the chicken legs cook thoroughly without overcooking.
- If you are cooking raw chicken, add a teaspoon of salt or other seasonings to the water before adding the chicken. This will help to infuse flavor into the chicken legs as they cook.
- Don’t crowd the pot with too many chicken legs. Make sure there is enough room for them to move freely in the water so that all sides cook evenly.
- Add more flavor to the water. Boiling chicken in just plain water will yield a bland product, so it’s important to add some flavor. A few sprigs of herbs such as rosemary and thyme, slices of lemon or orange, and a bit of garlic can all help add flavor to the water and make for a tastier final product.
- For extra tenderness, use chicken stock instead of just plain water. This will infuse even more flavor into the chicken legs and result in an incredibly tender meal.
- Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs before eating. This will ensure that they have cooked through and are safe to eat.
Above are all the tips related to the topic of how long to boil chicken legs on stove. But do you know the way to preserve them after boiling? Here we move to the next part.
How to Keep Chicken Legs Moist?
One way to keep them from drying out is to wrap them in foil or parchment paper, then place them in an airtight container before storing them in the refrigerator. This will help to seal in moisture and ensure your chicken stays moist even after reheating.
You can also brush the chicken legs with a bit of olive oil or melted butter before wrapping them. This will add an extra layer of moisture and help to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Another tip is to add a tablespoon of white wine, apple cider vinegar, or broth to the container before storing it in the refrigerator.
That’s everything for how long to boil chicken legs on stove and now we are going to some further information at FAQs.
FAQs of How Long to Boil Chicken Legs on Stove
1-Can I boil chicken legs at 200 F?
Yes, you can boil chicken legs at 200 F. However, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken as it cooks. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C, remove it from the heat and serve.
2- Should I thaw the chicken legs at room temperature?
No, it is not recommended to thaw the chicken legs at room temperature. When thawing the chicken, it is important to use either a refrigerator or cold water so that bacteria do not form on the food.
3- Can I use lemon to boil chicken legs?
Yes, you can add lemon to the boiling water. The acidity in the lemon will help to tenderize the chicken and add flavor to it as it cooks.
Conclusion
So now you know how long to boil chicken legs on stove. Depending on how you season the chicken and how long you boil it, you can get many different flavors. Remember that chicken should be cooked properly to ensure safety and prevent food-borne illness so always make sure your chicken is cooked thoroughly.
For more insightful ideas on preparing chicken or other flavorful meals, please follow our website Dixies Home Cookin regularly and click through some of our posts. But for now, start getting creative with your chicken dishes today!
