Poached chicken is so easy and results in perfectly juicy chicken breast that is really flavorful. Find out how to poach chicken for an easy weeknight meal. Served with a soy dressing, this dish takes less than 20 minutes to make.
Poached Chicken Breast – Fool Proof
Poaching chicken is such a quick and easy way of preparing this cut of meat, as well as being much healthier than other cooking techniques such as shallow frying.
The texture is so good and it’s really hard to over cook it! Oh, and the sauce is to die for!
How to Poach Chicken Breast
Poached chicken Instructions:
-
Remove fat from chicken breasts
-
Fill a medium sized pot with water, garlic cloves and rosemary
-
Add the chicken breasts in the water
-
Bring to boil and skim off foam/froth that’s formed
-
Reduce heat to low, cover with lid and simmer for 15 minutes
-
Remove chicken from water
-
Let chicken sit for 2-3 minutes, then slice
-
Pair with avocado, steamed rice and snap peas!
Sauce instructions:
-
In a jar add soy sauce, lime juice, cilantro, salt and black pepper
-
Secure lid and shake well until sauce is combined
-
Drizzle over poached chicken and rice
How long does it take to poach chicken?
It only takes about 15 minutes to cook chicken in this way, so it’s a great option for an easy weeknight meal. The time may vary depending on the thickness of your breast. The poached chicken is done when the chicken is opaque and an instant read thermometer registers 165F.
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the rice and snap peas so you will have dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes.
Is poached chicken healthy?
This is the healthiest way of cooking chicken as no oils or fats are added to it unlike with other methods. This recipe also has no added salt, the chicken is flavored by adding garlic and herbs to the water that it is being cooked in.
What’s the best chicken to use?
I prefer to poach skinless and boneless chicken breast. The chicken can be cooked with the skin on, but it really doesn’t add anything as it won’t be crispy. You can use bone in chicken breast if you prefer.
For the best tasting chicken, buy organic / free run and one that has been raised without antibiotics.
Tips for How to Poach Chicken
- Remove the fat from the chicken breasts before poaching.
- Add the chicken breast to cold water and then bring them to the boil.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing it.
- Poached chicken can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for four days and it’s a great addition to a salad.
If you have tried this poached chicken recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Poached Chicken Recipe – How to Poach Chicken
Ingredients
For Poached Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 2 rosemary stems
- ½ avocado
- 2 cups cooked rice optional
- 1 cup snap peas optional
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- pinch salt & pepper
Instructions
Poached chicken Instructions:
- Remove fat from chicken breasts
- Fill a medium sized pot with water, garlic cloves and rosemary
- Add the chicken breasts in the water
- Bring to boil and skim off foam/froth that’s formed
- Reduce heat to low, cover with lid and simmer for 15 minutes
- Remove chicken from water
- Let chicken sit for 2-3 minutes, then slice
- Pair with avocado, steamed rice and snap peas!
Sauce instructions:
- In a jar add soy sauce, honey, lime juice, cilantro, salt and black pepper
- Secure lid and shake well until sauce is combined
- Drizzle over poached chicken and rice
Recipe was contributed by Michaella from Well + Yum
Kristyn says
Thank you for sharing this!! It is so easy & a great way to cook chicken. I love the sauce!! I could add that to so many other things!!
Becky Hardin says
I’m glad you love it!! Let me know what else you try the sauce on!
Beth says
I love how easy this is to make! We do it all of the time! Love the tip on boiling in water with herbs. Such a great idea!
Becky Hardin says
Thank you, Beth! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Katie says
LOVE how easy this recipe is to follow! Turned out so yummy!
Becky Hardin says
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it, Katie!
Valerie says
My mom used to boil chicken all of the time when I was younger. Shehad never enjoyed cooking so she found it the easiest way to make it.
Becky Hardin says
One of my favorite methods too!!
Laura Reese says
I cook with chicken for many of our family meals. This method is healthier and so easy! I am so glad I can make it for my family!
Becky Hardin says
I’m glad you love it, Laura!