How long boil chicken if baking?

You don't need to boil chicken before baking it. Boiling chicken first will make it dry and tough when you bake it.

Here's why boiling before baking isn't recommended:

* Moisture Loss: Boiling extracts moisture from the chicken, leaving it drier.

* Texture: Boiling can make the chicken tough, especially if cooked for too long.

* Flavor: Boiling can leach flavor from the chicken into the water.

Instead of boiling, you can:

* Roast: This is a great way to cook chicken evenly and get crispy skin.

* Bake: Similar to roasting, but often uses a covered baking dish.

* Sear: This method creates a flavorful crust on the outside of the chicken.

If you need to cook the chicken through before baking (for example, for a dish like chicken pot pie), you can:

* Poach: This method gently cooks the chicken in simmering liquid, preserving its moisture.

* Pan-fry: Cooking the chicken in a pan with a little oil can help it cook through while retaining moisture.

Tips for baking juicy chicken:

* Don't overcook it: Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

* Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

* Baste the chicken: Adding moisture with basting helps keep the chicken juicy.

Let me know if you have any other questions about cooking chicken!