Learn how to poach chicken breasts with this simple video tutorial.
Let’s just get this out of the way. I am posting a tutorial for how to poach chicken breasts because I am currently dieting. Is that a bad word? I am trying to lose weight. I want to be healthier and not have my knees and feet hurt so much as I get older. Sheesh, that makes me sound already old. Anyway regardless of the motivation behind this post, I promise you’ll want poached chicken breasts in your recipe arsenal. For clean eating and just meal planning in general.
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I’ve heard poached chicken be called a blank canvas. It really is true. The slices of tender chicken are ready to go for your favorite chicken salad recipe, rice bowls, wraps, salads – the only limit is your imagination in the kitchen. Poached chicken is cooked without fat. It is gently simmered in water flavored with lemon juice, salt and herbs. But you could add whole garlic cloves, peppercorns, ginger, bay leaves, orange peel – again YOU are in charge of the creativity beyond this basic tutorial.
More tips for How to Poach Chicken Breasts:
- Choose a pot that is large enough to fit the chicken breasts in a single layer
- Start with cold water to ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly
- Do not bring the water to a boil. Gently simmer the chicken breasts for about 15 minutes (with the pot covered) until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- Be sure to check the internal temperature of each chicken breast before pulling them out of the pot – depending on thickness some may take a little longer than others
- As always I recommend a good digital thermometer as an essential tool for every kitchen. THIS is the thermometer that I use
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How to Poach Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 8 cups cold water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh sage
- 4 8 oz each chicken breasts boneless and skinless
Instructions
- To a 6 or 8 quart stock pot, add the cold water, lemon juice, salt and herbs.
- Add the chicken breasts and heat the water to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until each chicken breast is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the chicken from the pot. Serve immediately. Or allow to cool and store in air tight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Alexis says
Poached chicken is so versatile and is great to prepare ahead of time for meal planning. Your process is much simpler than mine, thank you for the new ideas.
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Loved poached chicken — it’s like a blank canvas with unlimited possibilities!
foodtasticmom says
Exactly!
Sues says
This chicken looks seriously perfect!! I never think to poach when I’m deciding how to prep my chicken, but I think I need to change that!
foodtasticmom says
Yes, I think you do. Glad to help 🙂
Stephanie says
Love how easy this sounds and great for meal prep. I can see so many ways this would save you time in the kitchen.
foodtasticmom says
Yep – it’s always a good thing to have cooked chicken ready to go!
Danielle says
This video is super helpful! It looks so simple to make!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you! It really is.
Natalie says
Looks so tender and delicious! Such a great healthy addition to salads and mains!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Natalie!
Amanda says
Thanks for such a great tutorial! It will definitely come in handy.
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome!
Liz says
This is such a helpful resource! I sent this to my mom because she’s been wanting to make poached chicken breasts but wasn’t sure how!
foodtasticmom says
This is so great to hear. Thanks for passing along my post to your Mom!
Stephanie says
Great tutorial on how to poach chicken breasts. Love the herbs you used for this.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Stephanie!
LaTasha Marie says
These tips for poaching chicken are not to be missed! I love I can follow along easily via video and written!! This is a staple.
foodtasticmom says
I’m glad you found this post helpful LaTasha!
Edyta says
Great tutorial. It’s especially useful now when everyone is trying to eat a little better. This poached chicken sounds like a perfect addition to a delicious salad.
foodtasticmom says
It is so great for salads. Thanks Edyta for your positive comments.