This simple and succulent Juicy Poached Chicken is the perfect protein base for your next dinner!
One thing I love about chicken is that it’s a fairly neutral protein, so even picky eaters will enjoy it. Poached chicken acts as a blank canvas for you to paint with whatever sides, sauces, and salads you see fit. It’s one of those kitchen staples that never gets old because it can be transformed in endless ways.
This poached chicken is as juicy as a steak and has a savory, lemony garlic flavor. You won’t be dominated by the flavor here, but you aren’t meant to be. This poached chicken is simply meant to be a lean, healthy protein that you can throw on literally anything: salads, fried rice, pasta, sandwiches—you name it, I’ve put this poached chicken on it. This is the kind of meal prep essential that makes life easier when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.
Perhaps my favorite part of this recipe is that it’s practically foolproof, with the hot water handling all the cooking for you. And whether you eat your poached chicken warm or cold, fresh or leftover, this is one seriously adaptable dish.
Is Poached Chicken Healthy?
This is a perfectly healthy recipe and a great one to keep in your back pocket for healthy meal prep throughout the week. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, along with selenium, phosphorous, and B vitamins. It has very little fat and no carbs, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious meat eaters.
Of course, what you serve this chicken with will change its nutritional quality. That’s just something to keep in mind as you put meals together.
The Power Of Poaching
I adore oil and butter just as much as the next chef. They both act as catalysts for flavor and even help give the chicken that appetizing pan-seared look we all love. But when you’re looking to reduce your caloric intake, poaching proves to be a surprisingly simple and effective cooking method.
However, it’s important to note that poaching isn’t just boiling the chicken. It involves placing the chicken in water that’s just hot enough to cook it through, but not so hot as to stay at a rapid boil. In fact, if you just boil the chicken, you’ll end up with a very dry and tough result. The poaching method is key to getting a perfectly moist and tender chicken breast. It’s a great example of how, sometimes, less is indeed more.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Poached chicken also tastes delicious cold on salads or sandwiches. Store it in foil or an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
This is the fun part! Poached chicken goes with anything and everything. Serve it on rice, pasta, salads, tacos, and more. With this recipe, the sky is the limit. Lately, I’ve been really into Indian food, so I like to add some slices on top of a Vegetable Curry. I also enjoy cutting the breasts into smaller pieces and putting them over top of Cauliflower Fried Rice or a Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 8.5 ounces each
- 1 lemon quartered
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Remove the chicken breasts from the fridge and let rest 30 minutes prior to cooking so they come to room temperature.
- Fill a saucepan with enough water to submerge the chicken breasts by at least 2 inches when placed in a single layer.
- To the water, add the quartered lemon, bay leaf, and minced garlic.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts in the boiling water, cover with a lid, and bring back up to a boil. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to poach in the hot water.
- After poaching, remove the chicken breasts from the water and slice to check for doneness. You can also use a meat thermometer; the chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If not serving immediately, allow to cool uncovered before storing in the fridge.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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