Should chicken breasts be covered while they are boiling?

No, you should not cover chicken breasts while boiling them.

Here's why:

* Overcooking: Covering the pot traps steam, which raises the temperature inside the pot and can lead to overcooked, dry chicken breasts.

* Loss of Flavor: Covering the pot prevents the steam from escaping, which can make the chicken taste bland.

Instead, you should:

* Boil chicken breasts uncovered in a large pot with enough water to cover them completely.

* Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

* Simmer the chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Note: Boiling chicken breasts isn't the best way to cook them if you want them tender and juicy. Other methods like poaching or pan-frying will yield better results.