How to Boil Chicken Legs

Everyone knows that chicken legs are a must-have for dinner, but have you ever thought about how to boil them just right? From timing the boil to seasoning like a master, I’m here to provide my top tips on how long to boil chicken legs and beyond.

how long to boil chicken legs — Image credit: @margouillatphotosv

How Long Does It Take to Boil Chicken Legs?

Typically, it takes 20 to 30 minutes to properly boil chicken legs. It depends on a number of things, like how big the legs are and whether they come from a young or older chicken, which can change how tender they are.

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

Small (6–8 oz): 20–25 minutes
Medium (8–10 oz): 25–30 minutes
Large (10–12 oz): 30–35 minutes

They’re done when the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the fluids run clear when you puncture the largest leg lengthwise with a fork.

How Long to Boil Frozen Chicken Legs?

Caught with just frozen chicken legs on hand? Don’t worry! You can still cook them without thawing. Simply add an extra 10–15 minutes to your boiling time, and you’re ready to go.

Small (6–8 oz): 30–35 minutes
Medium (8–10 oz): 35–40 minutes
Large (10–12 oz): 40–45 minutes

Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken legs and the method you use to boil them. What’s the best way to know when they’re finished? Using a meat thermometer, ensure that the interior temperature has reached a safe 165°F (74°C).

Pro tip: Always bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the frozen chicken legs. This allows them to cook uniformly and prevents bacteria from remaining.

Ingredients

Chicken legs: You can use fresh or frozen drumsticks. Try pasture-raised organic meat for broth.
Vegetables: The meat absorbs the water while boiling, and vegetables give a lot of flavor to the meat and broth. Celery, garlic, parsnips, carrots, onions, and other vegetables are all acceptable.
Seasonings: I went heavy on the salt to make the soup tasty on its own. If you have whole peppercorns, put 6-7 of them in there for extra taste.
Fresh herbs (optional): If you have rosemary, sage, bay leaves, thyme, or parsley, add them to the pot as well. Substitute your preferred seasoning combination.

How to Boil Chicken Legs: Step-by-Step Directions

Heat a pot of water on the stove over medium-high heat until it comes to a rolling boil that does not stop.
Place the chicken legs gently into the boiling water, ensuring that they are completely submerged. If you put them in cool water instead, their skin will get extremely gross.
Boil the chicken legs for 20 minutes if thawed, or 28 minutes if frozen, until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add salt and any herbs you want. Mix in the coarsely sliced carrot, half of the onion, and a few bay leaves. Here’s where you can get creative!
Allow the chicken legs to rest in a heated broth for a further 10 minutes. Remove the legs with care, using tongs. You can serve them immediately or broil them for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.

Useful Tips When Boiling

Choose pasture-raised or organic chicken.
Make sure there is enough room in the pot for water to flow around each chicken leg.
Add veggies, herbs, and salt to the broth to make it more flavorful.
A rapid boil might toughen the meat, so stick to a slow simmer.
Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the legs and whether they are fresh or frozen.
After boiling legs, you can grill or roast them to get the skin nice and brown and crispy.

How to Crisp Chicken Skin in Air Fryer?

Have you had some boiled chicken legs and are yearning the crisp skin? Here’s a quick fix:

Pat the chicken skins dry with a paper towel and season with salt on both sides.
While you are preparing this, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
If you wish to add a sauce, use some teriyaki or barbecue. Brush and brush the chicken pieces with your preferred sauce on the outside of each piece, ensuring that they are well coated.
Spray the interior of the basket with non-stick spray. Lay the skins inside without overlapping.
Air fry for 6-8 minutes at 400°F.
Flip halfway through, or until beautifully browned and crispy.

How to Serve Boiled Chicken Legs?

Serve these juicy drumsticks with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

Dip the chicken legs in your favorite sauce or gravy to add even more flavor. Ranch, BBQ, or even a tangy lemon-herb sauce would be delicious!

Serve these boiling chicken legs with simple side dishes like macaroni and tomatoes, green beans, and these easy baked biscuits.

Serve them as is, with mashed potatoes and steaming vegetables, or shred the meat for tacos, salads, or sandwiches.

How Do You Store Leftover Chicken Legs?

Let the chicken legs cool fully. Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Leftover boiling chicken legs can be refrigerated for up to four days. Freeze them for up to four months to extend their shelf life. Remember to reheat carefully over low heat to keep the meat juicy.

Final Thoughts

With our guide at your hands, you can now master the art of boiling chicken legs. From determining the optimal cooking time to adding the precise balance of seasonings, you’ll be serving up a delectable meal that will impress even the most discriminating taste buds.

Remember, the key is to monitor the cooking time and temperature, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and flavors. With a little practice, you’ll be a master of boiling chicken legs, wow your family and friends with each taste.

FAQs

Is 30 minutes enough to boil chicken?

To see how long it takes to boil chicken thighs, I boiled boneless frozen, boneless thawed, bone-in frozen and bone-in thawed separately to see what is the difference in cooking time. Below you can see the results: bone-in fresh – 25-30 minutes. bone-in frozen – 45-50 minutes.

How long does it take to cook drumsticks?

How long to bake Chicken Drumsticks in Oven. Typically it takes around 40-45 minutes to bake medium drumsticks at 425°F, although if your oven cooks hot or the drumsticks are on the smaller side they might be done sooner than that.

How long does it take to boil chicken thighs on the stove?

Boneless chicken thighs will take about 10 minutes to cook. Bone-in chicken thighs will take about 15 minutes to cook.

How do you know when chicken legs are cooked?

For properly cooked chicken, if you cut into it and the juices run clear, then the chicken is fully cooked. If the juices are red or have a pinkish color, your chicken may need to be cooked a bit longer.