Description
This foolproof poached chicken recipe yields amazingly juicy and tender boneless skinless chicken breasts. By gently cooking the chicken in flavored simmering water off the heat, the meat remains moist and tender, perfect for slicing or shredding in salads, sandwiches, or other dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 250g (8.5 oz) each
Flavourings
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 bay leaf, dried or fresh
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Take the chicken breasts out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Fill Saucepan: Fill a saucepan with enough water so the chicken breasts are fully submerged with about 2 inches (5 cm) of water above them in a single layer without stacking.
- Add Flavourings: Add the quartered lemon (squeeze some juice into the water), bay leaf, and minced garlic to the water to infuse the chicken with subtle flavor.
- Boil Water: Bring the water to a rolling boil on the stove.
- Poach Chicken: Place the chicken breasts carefully into the boiling water, cover with a lid, and bring back to a boil. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside, covered, to poach the chicken gently in the hot water for 20 minutes. The chicken can remain off heat and poach for up to 45 minutes to 1 hour without overcooking.
- Remove and Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the water. Slice to reveal juicy, tender meat or chop/shred for other uses as desired.
- Store if Needed: If reserving for later use, cover the chicken loosely to cool, then refrigerate whole to maintain moisture and freshness.
Notes
- Using room temperature chicken ensures even gentle cooking, avoiding toughness.
- The lemon, bay leaf, and garlic provide a subtle flavor without overpowering the chicken’s natural taste.
- Poaching off the heat stops the cooking process gently, preventing dryness.
- Chicken can stay poaching in hot water for up to an hour without toughening, offering flexibility in timing.
- Store poached chicken in the refrigerator loosely covered to keep it moist.
