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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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in a large pot, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Add the water and chicken broth to the pot to ensure the chicken is fully submerged.
Add the fresh thyme, parsley, smashed garlic cloves, lemon slices, salt, and black peppercorns to the pot.
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.
Once the liquid starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
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.
Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the cooking liquid for 5 minutes to retain moisture.
Using tongs, remove the chicken breasts from the liquid and place them on a cutting board. Slice, shred, or serve whole as desired.
Optional: Strain and save the poaching liquid as a flavorful broth for soups or sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
640 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.9 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 296 mg | 99% | |
| Sodium | 2934 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 112.4 g | 225% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 162 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1159 mg | 25% | |
*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.
