Poached Lemon Garlic Chicken

Tender, juicy, and bursting with zesty flavor, Poached Lemon Garlic Chicken is a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts gently poached in a fragrant broth infused with fresh lemon, garlic, thyme, and olive oil, creating a delightfully aromatic and tangy base. The poaching method ensures moist, tender chicken every time while keeping the dish low in oil and fat. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile recipe can be served with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting a dinner, Poached Lemon Garlic Chicken is a healthy and flavorful choice that's sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 whole lemon
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Juice the lemon, then thinly slice the remaining rind into rounds. Set both aside.

Step 2

Peel and lightly crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.

Step 4

Add the garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and water, and add the lemon juice, lemon slices, thyme sprigs, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Allow the liquid to come to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Carefully place the chicken breasts into the liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged. Adjust liquid levels if necessary with additional broth or water.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the chicken poach for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board.

Step 10

Strain the poaching liquid and reserve for serving or as a base for soup or sauce.

Step 11

Slice the chicken if desired and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with a side of your choice, such as rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2246.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1509.7

Total Fat 53.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 5113.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 14.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.8g	0%
Total Sugars 3.7g
Protein 230.6g	0%

Vitamin D 90.5IU	0%
Calcium 243.3mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 2758.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.8%

Protein: 63.1%

Carbs: 4.1%