Simple Poached Herbed Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Simple Poached Herbed Chicken recipe, a foolproof method for tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy meal. Infused with the earthy aromatics of fresh thyme, parsley, and garlic, plus a hint of citrusy brightness from sliced lemon, this dish is both light and satisfying. Poaching the chicken gently in a nourishing blend of water and optional low-sodium chicken broth ensures it stays moist and succulent, while whole peppercorns and a touch of salt enhance each bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile recipe can be served as-is or shredded into salads, sandwiches, or pastas. Plus, don’t toss that broth—it doubles as a flavorful base for soups or sauces, making this recipe as practical as it is delicious. Perfect for busy home cooks looking for a simple, healthy cooking technique!
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 4 cups Water
- 2 cups Chicken broth (low sodium, optional for more flavor)
- 4 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs Fresh parsley
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves (peeled and smashed)
- 1 piece Lemon (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 5 pieces Black peppercorns (whole)
Directions
Step 1
Place the chicken breasts in a large pot, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Step 2
Add the water and chicken broth to the pot to ensure the chicken is fully submerged.
Step 3
Add the fresh thyme, parsley, smashed garlic cloves, lemon slices, salt, and black peppercorns to the pot.
Step 4
Over medium-high heat, bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Do not allow it to reach a rolling boil, which can toughen the chicken.
Step 5
Once the liquid starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
Step 6
Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.
Step 7
Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the cooking liquid for 5 minutes to retain moisture.
Step 8
Using tongs, remove the chicken breasts from the liquid and place them on a cutting board. Slice, shred, or serve whole as desired.
Step 9
Optional: Strain and save the poaching liquid as a flavorful broth for soups or sauces.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1867.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 639.8 |
| Total Fat 13.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 3.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 295.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2934.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 12.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.6g | |
| Protein 112.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 45.2IU | 0% |
| Calcium 162.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1158.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories