Basic Poached Chicken

(350)
med105471_0110_how_poached_chicken.jpg
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4

Cooking chicken breasts gently in a flavorful broth makes them moist, tender -- and healthy!

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)

Directions

  1. In a large, straight-sided skillet or pot, combine all ingredients except chicken; cover with water by 1/2 inch. Bring to a boil over high. Add chicken and return to a boil. Cook 3 minutes, then cover skillet and remove from heat. Let stand until chicken is cooked through, 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove chicken from poaching liquid immediately.

Cook's Notes

You can flavor the poaching liquid with whatever aromatics you have on hand. This recipe is just a guideline -- try fresh ginger and soy sauce or orange and rosemary.

Originally appeared: Everyday Food, January/February 2010

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