Silky Smooth & Super Versatile: Perfect Poached Chicken Breast

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of chicken that's not dry as the sahara? you know, sometimes you just crave something simple but spot on.

This recipe for poached chicken breast is a game changer. it's proper lush and dead easy! the flavour is subtle but the texture is unbelievably tender.

Brief Overview

Poached chicken breast is classic. a bit like sunday roast. it originated as a gentle way to cook chicken. it is an easy peasy recipe, taking about 30 minutes.

This recipe makes 4 portions. perfect for a quick meal or batch cooking.

Main Benefits

It's ruddy healthy. a great source of lean protein. this tender chicken breast recipe is brilliant. it's perfect for a light lunch or a post workout refuel.

What makes this healthy chicken breast recipe special is the gentle cooking. this simmered chicken breast locks in moisture and flavor.

Right then, let's get cracking with the ingredients!

Getting Started: What You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to make the best juicy poached chicken :

• For the Broth: 4 cups of chicken broth, one onion, two celery stalks, one carrot, two garlic cloves, a sprig of thyme, one bay leaf, one teaspoon of black peppercorns, and one teaspoon of salt.
• The Main Event: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Honestly, that's it. Nothing too fancy. You might even have most of it already in the fridge.

How To Make the Magic Happen

Making poached chicken recipes is surprisingly simple. It's all about that gentle simmer, not a crazy boil.

First, prep your broth. chop the veg roughly and chuck it all into a large pan with the broth and spices.

Bring it to a gentle simmer for about ten minutes. this lets the flavours mingle. then, gently lower the chicken breasts into the broth.

Making sure they are fully covered.

Now, for the patience part. keep the broth at a gentle simmer. cover the pan and let it poach for 15- 20 minutes.

Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. you're aiming for 165° f ( 74° c). when it's done, take the chicken out and let it rest for a bit.

This is key for extra juicy chicken.

Why This Recipe Rocks

This isn't just another chicken breast cooking method . it's a technique that gives you perfect results every time. how to cook chicken for soup ? this is how! the best part? the poached chicken is so versatile.

Use it in salads, sandwiches, or soups. the possibilities are endless!

Poach chicken like a pro! You will be using this recipe all the time.

Extra Tidbits

Don't bin the leftover broth! use it as a base for soup. it's packed with flavour and goodness. leftover poached chicken salad recipes are also great to take to work.

And if you fancy a bit of a twist, add some lemon and herbs to the broth. this makes it even more refreshing.

I think the best way to get the perfect taste, is to remember that a gentle simmer is key. Now, get cooking and enjoy your perfectly poached chicken breast !

Alright, let's talk poached chicken breast , shall we? it's one of those kitchen skills that seems fancy, but is dead simple.

I'm going to give you the lowdown on the ingredients and equipment you'll need. trust me, you'll be whipping up tender chicken breast recipes in no time! honestly, poaching chicken is easier than making a cuppa!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Bare Necessities

Listen, you don't need a whole load of fancy kit for poached chicken recipes . Just the basics. This section will get you sorted.

Main Ingredients: The Chicken's the Star, Obvs!

Okay, first things first: the chicken. For four people, you'll want 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 6 oz/170g each ). Make sure you trim off any excess fat, yeah?

Quality indicator alert : For the chicken, fresh is best, innit? Look for plump breasts that are pink and firm. Avoid anything that looks pale or smells a bit iffy.

For the poaching broth, you need 4 cups (950ml) of chicken broth . low sodium is a good shout. then, 1 medium onion quartered, 2 celery stalks chopped roughly, and 1 carrot peeled and chopped.

We're adding in 2 cloves of garlic smashed (smashing releases more flavour!), 1 sprig of fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried if you're skint), 1 bay leaf , and 1 teaspoon (5g) of black peppercorns , plus 1 teaspoon (6g) of salt .

Seasoning Notes: Posh Up Your Poach Chicken

Right, let's talk flavour. the aromatics in the broth are key. thyme and bay leaf are a classic combo. you could also add a bit of rosemary or some lemon slices for a bit of zing.

Need a sub? no worries! if you don't have fresh thyme, dried is fine. just use half the amount. if you're out of peppercorns, a pinch of ground pepper will do.

Salt is essential here! it seasons the chicken all the way through. don't skimp, yeah?

If you're feeling fancy, why not add a splash of white wine vinegar? Adds a healthy little juicy something something. Simmered chicken breast turns out tender like that!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Silly

Right, kit-wise, it's pretty basic. you'll need a large saucepan or dutch oven . that's about it. oh, and an instant read thermometer is a lifesaver to know when your chicken is ready, reaching 165° f ( 74° c) .

If you haven't got a thermometer, just cut into the thickest part of the chicken. if it's white all the way through, you're good to go.

You'll also need tongs or a slotted spoon to fish the chicken out of the broth. bingo! that’s all you need to prepare a poached chicken salad recipe .

There you have it. All the ingredients and equipment for the perfect poached chicken breast . Easy peasy lemon squeezy, like my grandma used to say! Now go forth and poach!

Right then, let's get down to business and chat about how to nail poached chicken breast . honestly, it's easier than you think! it's one of the simplest chicken breast cooking methods .

So, grab your apron, and let’s get started.

Silky Smooth: Prep Like a Pro

First things first: get your act together. this is called mise en place , sounds fancy, eh? basically, chop your onion, celery, and carrots.

Smash those garlic cloves. got your chicken broth ready? good. this essential mise en place saves you a headache later.

I’m talking about 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth plus one chopped onion, a couple of celery stalks, a carrot, and garlic.

A quick tip: use low-sodium broth to control the salt yourself. Don't go overboard, mind. A teaspoon is normally enough. Safety wise, just wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah?

Poach Chicken: step-by-step to Perfection

Alright, here's where the magic happens to Poach Chicken .

1. Chuck your broth, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt into a saucepan.
2. Bring it to a simmer tiny bubbles, not a full-on boil.
3. Gently slip in your 4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts . Make sure they're covered!
4. Cover the pan, turn the heat down low, and poach for 15- 20 minutes .
5. Check the temperature! You want 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part.
6. Take them out and let them rest for 5- 10 minutes . Don't skip this, it's key!

Pro Tips for the Best Tender Chicken Breast Recipe

Want to take your poached chicken breast to the next level?

First, don't boil it. Seriously. Boiling makes the Juicy Poached Chicken tough. Second, use a thermometer! Guessing isn't good enough. Juicy Poached Chicken is made using that.

One mistake I made once: not enough salt. Salt is Your Friend: Don't skimp on the salt in the broth! It seasons the chicken from the inside out.

make-ahead? Absolutely! Poached Chicken Salad Recipes are great for that. I like to have simmered chicken breast on hand for quick lunches.

So, there you have it. Perfectly poached chicken recipes every time. Get creative with those leftovers, you know? I also like to look for some Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes .

Enjoy, and happy cooking!

Alright, let's chat more about this poached chicken breast recipe! I've cooked this a gazillion times. I reckon you'll love these notes, they'll make the process even easier.

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code to Perfect Poached Chicken Recipes

Honestly, poach chicken might sound a bit fancy, but trust me, it's dead easy! a few little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference between bland and brilliant.

Let's get into it, shall we?

Serve it Up: Plating and Perfect Partners

Want to make your poached chicken breast look the bee's knees? slice it thinly and fan it out on a plate.

Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. simple, but effective!

For sides, think light and fresh. a poached chicken salad recipes work a treat, or how about some steamed greens? a crisp glass of white wine never goes amiss either.

And it how to cook chicken for soup ? it also makes a cracking base for chicken breast cooking methods .

Stash it Away: Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? no worries! pop that tender chicken breast recipe into an airtight container. keep it in the fridge. it'll be grand for up to three days.

Fancy prepping ahead? you can even freeze it, no dramas! just wrap it well. when reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it nice and moist.

No one wants dry chicken, right?

Mix it Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a bit of a twist? you could try adding some lemon zest and fresh herbs to the poaching broth.

It gives it a lovely zing! if you're watching the carbs, ditch the bread in your poached chicken sandwich. serve it over a salad instead! seasonal swaps? in the summer, use courgettes and bell peppers in your chicken salad.

In winter, go for root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.

Nutrition Nuggets: A Healthy Choice

Did you know, each serving of poached chicken breast boasts a whopping 40 grams of protein? it's also low in fat.

That makes it a great choice if you're trying to eat healthily. healthy chicken breast recipes are a winner for anyone counting calories.

And there juicy poached chicken is a brilliant alternative.

So there you have it! a few extra tips to help you nail this simmered chicken breast recipe. don't be scared to experiment and make it your own.

Cooking should be fun, after all!

Happy cooking, my friend!