Description
Poached Chicken for Juicy Tender Meat is a simple and healthy cooking method that ensures tender, moist, and flavorful chicken every time. Gently simmered in a fragrant broth with fresh herbs, vegetables, and natural umami enhancers, this versatile dish can be used in salads, sandwiches, or main meals. Ready in under an hour, it is perfect for quick, nutritious meals with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Poaching Liquid
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 carrot slices
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or parsley
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Poaching Liquid: Fill a deep pan with 6 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth. Add the quartered onion, crushed garlic cloves, carrot slices, celery stalks, bay leaves, black peppercorns, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Chicken: Place the skinless chicken breasts or thighs carefully into the simmering poaching liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged for even cooking. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle and steady simmer without boiling.
- Poach Slowly: Let the chicken cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy chicken.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes to redistribute the juices. Slice or shred the chicken as desired and serve immediately or store for later use.
Notes
- Maintain a consistent low temperature to avoid overcooking and drying the chicken.
- Use fresh herbs in the poaching liquid for brighter flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Rest the chicken after poaching to lock in moisture and improve texture.
- Reserve the strained poaching liquid as a flavorful broth base for soups or sauces.
- Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, while breasts offer a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast/thigh (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: poached chicken, tender chicken, juicy chicken, healthy chicken recipe, chicken for salads, chicken for sandwiches