Description
Poached chicken is a healthy and simple way to prepare juicy, tender chicken breasts without added fat. Ideal for salads, sandwiches, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Water or chicken broth (enough to cover the chicken by 1 inch)
- 2–3 bay leaves
- 2–4 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or dill)
- 1/2 sliced onion (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer in a large saucepan or deep skillet.
- Pour in enough water or chicken broth to cover the chicken by about an inch.
- Add bay leaves, garlic, peppercorns, salt, herbs, and sliced onion if using.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
- Simmer gently for 10-14 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Turn off the heat and let the chicken sit in the hot liquid for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Notes
- Add ginger and green onion for an Asian twist.
- Use lemon slices and rosemary for a citrusy flavor.
- Replace water with low-sodium chicken broth for depth.
- Add a splash of white wine for richness.
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor (increase cooking time).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg