Perfectly Poached Chicken Breast The Ultimate Guide

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some poached chicken breast that's not dry as the Sahara? Honestly, who doesn't? This recipe gives you tender, juicy chicken every single time. The real deal Tender Chicken Breast Recipe !

Brief Overview

Poached chicken is a classic technique. It dates back centuries and is used across cultures. It's easy and quick, needing about 30 minutes total.

This recipe makes four servings. Perfect for meal prep!

Main Benefits

This recipe is a lifesaver for healthy eating. Poached chicken is packed with protein and low in fat. Ideal for salads, sandwiches, or a post-gym snack.

And it is the perfect star on your Poached Chicken Salad Recipes and Poached Chicken for Salad . What makes it special? It's foolproof.

You'll never have to eat dry chicken again!

Let's dive into the ingredients, shall we?

Alright, let's get cracking on the ingredients and equipment for the best poached chicken breast you've ever tasted. Picture this: juicy, tender chicken that’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, or just a healthy snack.

This tender chicken breast recipe is so simple. Honestly, it’s foolproof.

Perfectly Poached Chicken Breast The Ultimate Guide Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each)
• 6 cups/1.4 liters chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 teaspoon/5ml whole black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon/5ml salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon/2.5ml black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: Lemon slices or parsley sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

• In the saucepan, combine chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Reduce heat to a simmer. Gently place the chicken breasts in the broth, ensuring they are fully submerged. If necessary, add a bit more water or broth to cover.
• Maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
• Remove the chicken breasts from the poaching liquid and place them on a cutting board. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding.
• Strain the poaching liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids. Reserve the broth for soup or other recipes.
• Slice or shred the poached chicken breast and serve as desired. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh parsley (optional).

Nutrition Facts

Calories:220 calories

Fat:5g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:French

Ingredients & Equipment for Juicy Poached Chicken

This section breaks down what you'll need. We're talking about both ingredients and the essential bits of kit. Get ready to make some seriously good poached chicken .

Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour

Here's what you'll need to whip up this simple chicken recipe :

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or grey.
• 6 cups/1.4 liters chicken broth (low sodium preferred). The better the broth, the better the chicken. I once tried using really cheap broth, and the chicken tasted… well, cheap. Lesson learned!
• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered.
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped.
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped.
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed.
• 1 teaspoon/5ml whole black peppercorns.
• 1 bay leaf.
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme).
• 1 teaspoon/5ml salt (or to taste).
• 1/2 teaspoon/2.5ml black pepper (or to taste). Optional: Lemon slices or parsley sprigs for garnish

Seasoning Notes: Adding That Extra Zing

Don't underestimate the power of good seasoning!

• Essential spice combinations: Black peppercorns, bay leaf, and thyme create a classic, aromatic base. These are my go to for Poached Chicken Salad Recipes !
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Garlic and onion add depth to the broth.
• Quick substitution options: If you don't have fresh thyme, dried thyme works perfectly fine. And vegetable broth can sub for chicken broth if you are on a veggie day.

Equipment Needed: Keepin' It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this healthy chicken recipe .

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven. Make sure it's big enough to fit all the chicken breasts comfortably.
• Instant-read thermometer. This is crucial for making sure the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Honestly, it's the best way to get that juicy poached chicken .

If you are struggling with ideas for Poached Chicken Recipes , then I would really say that this will not let you down, and is a great starting point for some great food that you will love to eat.

I can also see this working great if you are trying to figure out How To Cook Chicken For Soup ! It's the dogs!

Perfectly Poached Chicken Breast : The Ultimate Guide to Tender, Juicy Chicken

Honestly, who wants dry, boring chicken? Not me! This poached chicken breast recipe is a game-changer. It's all about getting that perfectly tender chicken breast recipe without any fuss.

It's inspired by those fancy French techniques but, honestly, it's dead simple. Forget what you think you know. This will be the juicy poached chicken you’ve always dreamed of!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate

First things first: get organised. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Smashed garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Gather those ingredients. Pour 1.4 liters of low sodium chicken broth in your pot. This prep makes life easier, trust me.

You will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts .

Step-by-Step: Poach Chicken Like a Boss

1. Chuck your broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper into a big saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then turn it down to a gentle simmer.
2. Gently slide your chicken breasts into the broth. Make sure they're covered. Add more water or broth if needed.
3. Poach chicken for 15- 20 minutes at a simmer. Aim for an internal temperature of 74° C ( 165° F) . No pink juices, that's the key.
4. Take the chicken out and let it rest for 5- 10 minutes . Don't skip this step! The meat stays juicy.
5. (Optional) Strain your broth for later use, like making a stellar chicken noodle soup.
6. Slice, shred, and serve! Bang! You can try it in a Poached Chicken Salad Recipes .

Pro Tips and Tricks: Level Up Your Poaching Game

• Keep it simmering, not boiling . A gentle simmer means tender chicken breast .
• Check, check, check that temperature . An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here.
• Resting the chicken keeps all those tasty juices locked in. Don’t skimp on it!
• Looking for Simple Chicken Recipes or Healthy Chicken Recipes ? Try adding the liquid with ginger for a cold remedy.
• Avoid these common mistakes to make the perfect Poached Chicken for Salad .
• Did you know poached chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days? Make-ahead for the win!
• How To Cook Chicken For Soup ? This is your answer, keep the both for maximum taste!

So, there you have it. Perfect poached chicken breast . It's simpler than you think, and the results are always brilliant. This tender chicken breast recipe is the bomb. Get cooking!

Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce to Poached Chicken Breast Perfection

So, you're about to embark on your poached chicken breast adventure? Ace! Before you dive in, let's chat about some extra bits that will take your simple chicken recipes to the next level.

These are my little nuggets of wisdom, gleaned from many, many batches of juicy poached chicken ! Think of it as a friendly chat over a cuppa.

Serving Suggestions: From Plate to Palate

Presentation matters, doesn’t it? Poached chicken for salad looks fab sliced thinly over a vibrant green salad. Or, create a stunning poached chicken salad recipe with colourful veggies and a light dressing.

For sides, a simple quinoa salad or roasted asparagus are winners. Wash it all down with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

It's a chef's kiss moment, honestly!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you've got leftover tender chicken breast recipe , what do you do? Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is an option, too! Just wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil, and it'll keep for up to 3 months.

When reheating, a splash of broth can help keep it moist. Avoid microwaving for too long; it can dry out.

Variations: Get Creative, Get Cooking

Want to mix things up? You got it! For a dairy-free version, swap the usual mayonnaise for an avocado-based dressing in your poached chicken salad recipes .

Or, go seasonal! In the summer, use fresh basil and tomatoes in your poached chicken salad . During autumn, butternut squash and cranberries work wonders.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. Poached chicken breast is a brilliant source of lean protein. It's low in fat and carbs, making it a super healthy chicken recipes choice.

It's also rich in essential amino acids. This recipe clocks in at around 220 calories, 40g of protein, 5g of fat, and 2g of carbs per serving.

So you can eat it without feeling like you are cheating yourself.

Honestly, this how to cook chicken for soup is a game-changer. Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own.

Have fun, and remember, even if it's not perfect the first time, you've still made something delicious!