I have always wondered how my favorite salad spot makes their perfectly juicy chicken. Their secret is making a poached chicken breast rather than pan-frying or grilling it. Poaching keeps the chicken so moist and tender, and it really lets the sauce or dressing shine through. I must say, since I’ve learned how to poach chicken, my life has only gotten tastier! I’ve included a yummy cilantro sauce that I love to serve with it!
Poached Chicken Breast Recipe
I’ve always thought poached chicken breasts would be bland… it sounded to me like the boiled chicken I feed my dogs when they’re sick. But it’s totally different! Poaching is much gentler and involves keeping the chicken at a simmer to prevent overcooking. Learning how to poach chicken has totally leveled up my salad game. Anything you add to the poaching liquid will infuse the chicken with flavor, so I added garlic and rosemary to mine. The chicken turns out so incredibly juicy!
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How to Store and Reheat
Once they have totally cooled to room temperature, you can store leftover poached chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until warmed all the way through.
How to Freeze
You can freeze poached chicken once it cools to room temperature. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and it’ll last for up to 3 months. Let it slowly thaw in the fridge prior to reheating.
Top Reader Reviews
- “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!” -Beth
- “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!!” -Kristyn
Poached Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4-5 cloves garlic
- 2 sprigs rosemary
For the Sauce (Optional)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
For the Chicken
- Remove any fat from the chicken breasts.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fill a medium-sized pot with water. Add the garlic, rosemary, and chicken.4-5 cloves garlic, 2 sprigs rosemary
- Bring to a boil and skim off the foam/froth that forms.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the water, let rest for 2-3 minutes, then slice.
- Serve as desired. I like it paired with avocado, steamed rice, and snap peas.
For the Sauce
- In a jar add soy sauce, honey, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Secure the lid and shake well until the sauce is combined.
- Drizzle over the poached chicken and rice.
Notes
- For the best results, place the chicken in the cold poaching liquid and let it sit for a few minutes before turning on the heat. Bring it to a simmer slowly, and avoid a rolling boil.
- I recommend letting the chicken rest in the poaching liquid for a few minutes after cooking to seal in moisture.
How to Poach Chicken Breasts Step by Step
Poach the Chicken: Remove any fat from 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Fill a medium-sized pot with water. Add 4-5 cloves of garlic, 2 sprigs of rosemary, and the chicken. Bring to a boil and skim off the foam/froth that forms. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Slice and Serve: Remove the chicken from the water, let rest for 2-3 minutes, then slice. Serve as desired. I like it paired with avocado, steamed rice, and snap peas.
Make the Sauce (Optional): In a jar, add 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and 1 pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Secure the lid and shake well until the sauce is combined. Drizzle over the poached chicken and rice.
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!!
I’m glad you love it!! Let me know what else you try the sauce on!
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!
Thank you, Beth! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
LOVE how easy this recipe is to follow! Turned out so yummy!
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it, Katie!
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.
One of my favorite methods too!!
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!
I’m glad you love it, Laura!