Poached Chicken is the best juicy, versatile, and healthy for a simple protein addition to your salads, sandwiches, or meal preps.
Why Poached Chicken?
Poaching chicken is not only one of the healthiest ways to cook chicken, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Lean and healthy: No need for oils or fats.
- Juicy and tender: Perfectly moist chicken every time.
- Quick and easy: Takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: Adapt it with herbs, spices, and broths for added flavor.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Poached Chicken
- Start with cold water: Always start poaching your chicken in cold water to ensure even cooking. Dropping chicken into boiling water can result in uneven cooking and dry meat.
- Don’t let it boil: Keep the water at a low simmer. If the water boils, the chicken will overcook quickly, resulting in a rubbery texture.
- Use broth for extra flavor: Poaching in chicken broth or adding aromatics like garlic, herbs, and peppercorns can boost the flavor without the need for additional fats.
- Check the temperature: A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Chicken is perfectly poached when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Save the poaching liquid: The leftover poaching liquid can be repurposed as a light broth for soups or used to cook grains like quinoa or rice.
Variations on Poached Chicken
One of the best things about poached chicken is how versatile it is! Here are a few ways to change it up depending on your mood or the dish you’re making:
- Citrus Poached Chicken: Add slices of lemon or lime, along with some ginger, to your poaching liquid for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Chicken: Add soy sauce, ginger, star anise, and green onions to the broth for a delicious Asian twist.
- Spicy Chicken: Toss in some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or chipotle peppers to give your chicken a bit of a kick.
How to Serve Poached Chicken
Once you’ve poached your chicken, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ideas:
- Shredded for salads or wraps: Toss it into a fresh salad or wrap for a quick and healthy meal.
- Chicken salad: Mix the poached chicken with mayo, celery, onions, and herbs for a classic chicken salad sandwich.
- In tacos or burritos: Shred the chicken and add it to tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for a tasty protein boost.
- With pasta or rice: Add sliced poached chicken to your favorite pasta or grain bowls for a quick, protein-packed dinner.
- Soup topper: Slice or shred the chicken and add it to soups for added protein.
How to Store Poached Chicken
Poached chicken is excellent for meal prepping, as it stores well and stays juicy even after refrigeration. Here’s how to store it properly:
- In the refrigerator: Store poached chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- In the freezer: To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Pro Tip: Store the chicken with a bit of the poaching liquid to keep it extra moist when reheating.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the difference between boiling and poaching chicken?
Poaching is a gentle, low-heat cooking method where the chicken is simmered, not boiled. Boiling chicken can cause the proteins to seize up, leading to a tougher texture, while poaching keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Can I poach chicken with bone-in pieces?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken takes a bit longer to cook (about 25-30 minutes) but works well. The bones also add extra flavor to the poaching liquid.
Can I poach chicken in the oven?
Yes! You can poach chicken in the oven by placing the chicken and seasoned water or broth in a covered baking dish. Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is poached chicken healthy?
Yes, poaching chicken is one of the healthiest cooking methods. It requires no additional fats and retains the chicken’s natural moisture, making it low in calories while high in protein.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can poach frozen chicken, but it will take a little longer to cook through. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Poached Chicken (Juicy)
Poached Chicken is the best juicy, versatile, and healthy for a simple protein addition to your salads, sandwiches, or meal preps
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds (680g) skinless, boneless chicken breast or thighs
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 shallot, peeled and quartered
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- Water (or use chicken/vegetable broth for extra flavor)
- Optional for serving: cracked black pepper, lemon slices, fresh herbs, olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the pot: Add the chicken, garlic, shallot, bay leaf, thyme, and salt to a medium pot. Cover with water (or broth) by about an inch or two (about 5-6 cups).
- Simmer gently: Place the pot over medium heat. Let the liquid slowly come to a low simmer – don’t rush this step, as it ensures the most tender chicken.
- Cook through: Once it simmers, lower the heat and cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Check for doneness with a thermometer (165°F) or pierce the thickest part to ensure the juices run clear.
- Rest and serve: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice, and serve with your favorite garnishes like fresh herbs, cracked pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 257Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 106mgSodium 1184mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 30g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Whether you’re a meal-prep pro or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, mastering poached chicken opens the door to endless delicious possibilities. With these tips and tricks, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken that’s moist, flavorful, and versatile every time. Happy cooking!
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