This delicious poached chicken recipe, inspired by Martha Stewart, is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken every time. Packed with flavor from fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon, it’s perfect for meal prep or a light, healthy dinner. Use it in salads, sandwiches, or enjoy it as is!
Recipe Ingredients:
- ½ medium yellow onion, halved
- 1 medium carrot, cut into thirds
- 1 celery stalk, cut into thirds
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ lemon, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3 sprigs thyme or parsley
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, (about 8 ounces each)
How To Make Poached Chicken?
- Prepare the poaching liquid: In a large, straight-sided skillet or pot, combine all ingredients except the chicken; cover with water by 1.5 cm (½ inch).
- Bring to a boil: Place the pot over high heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
- Add the chicken: Carefully lower the chicken breasts into the boiling liquid and return it to a boil.
- Simmer briefly: Let the chicken cook for 3 minutes, then cover the skillet and remove it from heat.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to sit in the hot poaching liquid for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove and serve: Take the chicken out of the liquid immediately and serve as desired.
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Recipe Tips:
- Use Cold Water to Start : Always start with cold water when poaching. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb more flavor from the herbs and spices.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken : Once you remove the pot from heat, let the chicken sit in the hot liquid for 15-18 minutes. Cooking too long can make it dry.
- Flip the Chicken Halfway : To ensure even cooking, flip the chicken breast halfway through the resting time in the poaching liquid.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing : After removing the chicken from the liquid, let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps it juicy and tender.
- Save the Poaching Liquid : The flavorful broth can be used for soups, sauces, or cooking grains like rice or quinoa for extra taste.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: First, let the leftover poached chicken cool to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container with some of the poaching liquid to keep it moist. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag with a bit of broth. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before using.
- Reheat: Slice the chicken and place it in a skillet with a bit of broth or water. Heat over low-medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warm. Avoid high heat to prevent dryness.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 109
- Total Fat: 2.34 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 64 mg
- Sodium: 156 mg
- Potassium: 308 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0.81 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0.29 g
- Protein: 19.91 g
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Martha Stewart Poached Chicken
Description
This delicious poached chicken recipe, inspired by Martha Stewart, is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken every time. Packed with flavor from fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon, it’s perfect for meal prep or a light, healthy dinner. Use it in salads, sandwiches, or enjoy it as is!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the poaching liquid: In a large, straight-sided skillet or pot, combine all ingredients except the chicken; cover with water by 1.5 cm (½ inch).
- Bring to a boil: Place the pot over high heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
- Add the chicken: Carefully lower the chicken breasts into the boiling liquid and return it to a boil.
- Simmer briefly: Let the chicken cook for 3 minutes, then cover the skillet and remove it from heat.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to sit in the hot poaching liquid for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove and serve: Take the chicken out of the liquid immediately and serve as desired.
Notes
- Use Cold Water to Start : Always start with cold water when poaching. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb more flavor from the herbs and spices.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken : Once you remove the pot from heat, let the chicken sit in the hot liquid for 15-18 minutes. Cooking too long can make it dry.
- Flip the Chicken Halfway : To ensure even cooking, flip the chicken breast halfway through the resting time in the poaching liquid.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing : After removing the chicken from the liquid, let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps it juicy and tender.
- Save the Poaching Liquid : The flavorful broth can be used for soups, sauces, or cooking grains like rice or quinoa for extra taste.
Martha Stewart Poached Chicken