Perfect poached chicken is tender, soft, juicy and flavorful. Use our easy, no-fuss recipe for the best poached chicken breasts or thighs. Skip to the Poached Chicken recipe
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The best way to poach chicken
We have already shown you how we prepare tender chicken cutlet. Poaching is a similar process and takes even less time. We especially love this poaching method for chicken breasts. The chicken stays lean and the texture becomes soft, juicy and tender.
Use poached chicken to make the best chicken salad, rice bowl topper, or enchiladas and tacos.
For the For the best poached chicken you will need the following ingredients (see below for a detailed recipe):
Chicken breast or chicken thighs
water, stock or broth – We usually use water, but chicken or vegetable broth works well for more flavor.
aromatics such as garlic, shallots, ginger, bay leaves or fresh herbs – the combination of flavors is up to you and can be adjusted depending on what the poached chicken is going to be used for. For example, if you’re planning to add it to a Mexican-inspired rice bowl, combine garlic, coriander, and some cumin. Adding ginger is great for more Asian-inspired dishes.
Salt is a must. Adding salt to the poaching liquid ensures that the cooked chicken is extra flavorful and perfectly seasoned.
How to Poach Chicken
The steps to poach chicken are simple, here is the basic idea (remember, full recipe is below):
- Place the chicken, flavorings and salt in a saucepan.
- Add enough water to cover the chicken by about an inch, then place the saucepan over medium-high heat
- Without increasing the heat, wait until the cooking liquid is very gently simmering. This takes a few minutes and ensures the chicken stays soft and tender. Increasing the heat at this point to speed up the simmer can make the chicken tough.
- Reduce heat and cook until chicken is tender (about 10 to 15 more minutes).
- Place the chicken on a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve.
And that’s it, easy poached chicken that’s tender and flavorful.
For some ideas on what to make with poached chicken see below:
Perfect poached chicken
- PREPARATION
Poached chicken is tender, soft, juicy and flavorful. Use our easy, no-fuss chicken breast or chicken thigh recipe. You can use skinless chicken and remove the skin before serving. The flavors suggested in the recipe are indicative. Ginger, chilies, additional herbs, onions, fennel, and carrots are excellent options.
Makes about 3 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
Watch us make the recipe
you will need
1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs
3 garlic cloves, crushed with the flat side of a knife
1 shallot, peeled and quartered
1 bay leaf
2 to 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
Substitute water or chicken or vegetable broth or broth
Optional to serve: fresh black pepper, lemon slices, fresh herbs and olive oil
directions
In a medium saucepan, place the chicken, garlic, shallot, bay leaf, thyme, and salt. Cover an inch or two with water, 5 to 6 cups.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and heat until the liquid is gently simmering. This will take a few minutes. For the most tender poached chicken, try not to rush this step.
When the liquid is just simmering, turn the heat down and cook until the chicken is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. To check doneness, an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and the juice will run clear when you pierce the chicken with a knife.
Transfer to a cutting board. Slice and serve. If you don’t want to eat the chicken right away, skip the slicing and store tightly covered in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Advice from Adam and Joanne
- Nutritional Information: The nutritional information below is an estimate. We used the USDA database to calculate approximate values.
If you make this recipe, take a picture and tag it #inspiredtaste – we love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook! Find us: @inspiredtaste
Nutrition per serving: serving size 1/2 cup / calories 140 / total fat 3g / Saturated Fatty Acids 0.6g / cholesterol 82.7mg / sodium 632.9mg / Total carbohydrates 0.9g / fiber 0.1g / total sugar 0.1g / protein 25.7g