Simple Poached Chicken
Effortlessly juicy and tender, this Simple Poached Chicken recipe is the ultimate kitchen staple for healthy, versatile meals. Perfectly seasoned with aromatic garlic, onion, fresh thyme, and a touch of black peppercorns, this foolproof technique creates flavorful chicken that’s ideal for slicing or shredding. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe combines simplicity with unbeatable taste. Whether you're prepping it for a protein-packed salad, a comforting sandwich, or a light main dish, this poached chicken is a game-changer for meal prep enthusiasts and busy cooks alike. Plus, the infused broth doubles as a flavorful base for soups or sauces, making this recipe as multifunctional as it is delicious!
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
Explore More
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, halved
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 piece bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large, deep skillet or saucepan.
Pour in the water and chicken broth to cover the chicken completely.
Add the halved onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, black peppercorns, fresh thyme, and salt to the liquid.
Place the pan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. It should be gently bubbling, not boiling.
Once the liquid is simmering, lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the chicken cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the liquid for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Remove the chicken from the liquid and let it cool slightly before slicing or shredding, as desired.
Use the poached chicken in salads, sandwiches, or as a healthy main dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
319 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.4 g | 8% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 148 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 904 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.8 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 56.6 g | 113% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 640 mg | 14% | |
*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.
