Boiling chicken is a key step in many delicious dishes like soto, opor, and chicken soup. But if you do it wrong, you might end up with that strong, fishy smell that ruins your appetite. Ever had that happen to you? Or maybe it happens all the time? Don’t worry, this article is here to help! Minchef will walk you through the right way how to boil chicken to get rid of that unpleasant smell, from picking the freshest one to boiling it properly and adding extra tips for the best results. Follow these steps, and your chicken dishes will taste better than ever! Ready to learn how? 

Picking Fresh Chicken 

The secret to boiling chicken without a bad smell starts with choosing fresh chicken. Here’s what to look out for: 

Bright, Even Skin Color

Go for chicken with bright, even-colored skin—not pale or bluish. Fresh chicken usually has a light yellowish-pink hue. Avoid chicken with grayish or dark spots. 

Firm and Bouncy Texture

Give the chicken a little press—fresh chicken should feel firm and bouncy, not soft or watery. If it feels mushy, it’s probably not fresh. 

Fresh, Neutral Smell

Smell the chicken. Fresh chicken has a mild, natural scent. If it smells sour, fishy, or just plain bad, stay away! 

The Right Way and How to Boil Chicken 

Once you have fresh chicken, the next step is boiling it properly. Follow these steps how to boil chicken to get rid of that unpleasant smell:

1. Wash It Thoroughly

Rinse the chicken under running water, making sure to clean both the inside and outside to remove any dirt and blood.

2. Start with Room Temperature Water

Place the chicken in a pot with room temperature water instead of hot. Starting with regular water helps draw out dirt and reduces the fishy smell. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged.

3. Discard the First Boil

Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Then, discard this first batch of water. This step removes the leftover blood and unwanted odors.

4. Refill with Fresh Water & Add Spices

Refill the pot with clean water and add aromatic spices like 2 crushed pieces of ginger, 2 crushed pieces of galangal, and 3 bay leaves. These ingredients will neutralize any remaining smell and add a nice fragrance to your chicken.

5. Simmer Until Cooked

Let the chicken simmer on medium heat for 30-40 minutes, depending on its size. Don’t overcook it, or the meat will become too soft. To check if it’s done, poke the thickest part with a fork. If it goes in easily and no blood comes out, your chicken is ready!

Read More : Why Chicken Meat Becomes Tough When Cooked and How to Prevent It

Extra Tips to Get Rid of the Smell 

Want to go the extra mile? Try these tricks: 

Rub with Lime or Vinegar

Before boiling, rub the chicken with lime juice or 1 tablespoon of vinegar. The acidity helps remove any unpleasant smell. 

Add Salt to the Water

A teaspoon of salt in the boiling water not only enhances flavor but also helps pull out dirts. 

Drain Immediately

Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the water right away. Letting it sit too long can make it soggy. 

Make Your Chicken Dishes Extra Creamy with FiberCreme! 

See? Boiling chicken to remove the bad smell is super easy! Now, what are you planning to make with that clean, odorless chicken of yours? If you need ideas, check out @FiberCreme_TV for tasty recipes. And for an even richer, creamier taste, don’t forget to add FiberCreme! Whether it’s opor, curry, or even creamy spaghetti, FiberCreme makes your chicken dishes extra creamy, delicious, and high in fiber with better cholesterol control. Try it out today!