How to Boil Chicken Legs
Whether you're learning how to boil chicken legs for a quick and easy dinner or to make flavorful shredded chicken and broth for future meals, this method is perfect for both.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 302kcal
Cost: Recipe $5.97 / Serving $0.75
Equipment
Instructions
- Boil chicken. Place chicken drumsticks in a large pot and add enough water to cover them by at least 1 inch. Set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Cook about 25 minutes, skimming and discarding foam as needed, until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove and cool. Remove chicken from the broth. Reserve broth for future use or discard. Let chicken cool slightly.
- Finish or shred. Shred meat from the bones for meal prep, or place drumsticks on a foil-lined baking sheet, season or brush with BBQ sauce if desired, and broil on high for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the skin is crispy.
- Serve or store. Serve warm or store for later use.
Notes
- Variations. Chicken quarters cook in about 20 to 25 minutes if fresh or 25 to 35 minutes if frozen.
- Cooking Tip. Doneness is reached when juices run clear or the internal temperature hits 165°F.
- Storage. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 424mg | Vitamin A: 87IU | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
