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+ servings

Poached Chicken

from kristineskitchenblog.com
Learn how to poach chicken breasts or thighs, perfect for using in your favorite recipes that call for cooked chicken. With this simple method, your poached chicken will always turn out moist, tender and flavorful!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 73kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts*
  • cold water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Optional Aromatics*

  • fresh herb sprigs
  • 2-3 lemon slices
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ small onion sliced
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
  • few slices fresh ginger

Instructions

  • Place chicken breasts in a pot or other pan that has a lid. The chicken breasts should be in a single layer in the pan. Add cold water to the pot until water level is about 1 inch above the chicken.
  • Add salt and any desired aromatics.
  • Place the pot on the stove, uncovered, over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Do not rush this step. The chicken will be more tender if the pot comes to a simmer slowly.
  • Reduce heat to low so that the water is at a low simmer, cover the pot, and continue simmering for 6-11 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F. Cook time will depend on size of the chicken breasts and how long it takes water to come to a simmer.
  • Remove chicken from water and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Notes

  • You can cook more or less chicken, but it's best if the chicken fits in a single layer in the pot.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone-in breasts or thighs may also be used. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165° F. 
  • Aromatics are optional and can be used to add extra flavor to the chicken. Choose aromatics based on what you have on hand, your flavor preferences, and the flavors that pair well with how you plan to use the poached chicken. 
  • You can discard the cooking liquid or strain it and use it in recipes that call for chicken broth or stock. It will be less flavorful than chicken stock, but still very good. Cooking liquid can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
  • Nutrition information is an estimate as chicken breast sizes will vary and it is difficult to determine how much salt will actually be consumed.

Nutrition

Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 671mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is only an estimate.
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