Poached Chicken Recipe (How to Poach Chicken)
Perfectly Poached Chicken Breasts are tender, juicy, flavorful, and take less than 30 minutes to make start to finish. An incredible source of lean and nutritious protein, learn how to poach chicken breasts and use in all your favorite recipes from classic chicken salad to chicken noodle soup.
Servings: 2 chicken breasts
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- water
Optional additions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, etc)
- 10 black peppercorns
- 1-2 bay leaves
Instructions
Method One
- Add the chicken breasts and any desired "optional additions" to a medium-sized pot. Add enough cold water to cover the chicken breasts by 1-2 inches.
- Set over medium-high heat and bring to a low and steady simmer. Allow chicken to simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes before covering and removing from heat. Allow chicken to rest (or poach) for 10-15 minutes, or until internal temperature registers 160°F as read with a digital meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing, shredding, or chopping. If desired, strain the chicken broth through a fine-mesh strainer and use it to cook soup, rice, or any other recipe that calls for chicken broth.
Method Two
- Fill a pot with water. Make sure your pot is large enough to hold your chicken breasts and enough water to completely cover by at least 2-inches. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and any "optional additions" such as herbs or spices to the pot. Return to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately cover with a lid. Allow chicken to rest (or poach) for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature registers 160°F as read with a digital meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing, shredding, or chopping. If desired, strain the chicken broth through a fine-mesh strainer and use it to cook soup, rice, or any other recipe that calls for chicken broth.
Notes
- Just like overcooking chicken breasts in the oven or on the grill, it's best to avoid over-poaching as it will likely result in dry, chewy meat.
- Different chicken breast sizes cook at different rates with larger breasts taking longer to cook. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Nutrition
Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 836mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
