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4.80 from 5 votes

Poached Chicken Breasts Recipe

Learn how to poach chicken breast for the most perfect chicken you'll ever eat! This method is so quick and easy, it'll be your new go-to for healthy, simple protein.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Rest Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 chicken breasts
Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Aromatic Options

  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 1 teaspoon peppercorns
  • 1 onion thickly sliced
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt

Poaching Liquid Options

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a Dutch oven or similarly sized pan.
    2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    overhead view of ingredients for poached chicken.
  • Choose 4-5 aromatics and add them to the pan.
    2 sprigs thyme, 2 sprigs rosemary, 2 cloves garlic, 2 bay leaves, 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, 1 onion, 3 teaspoons kosher salt
    overhead view of 2 raw chicken breasts covered in aromatics and poaching liquid in a pot.
  • Add the liquid of your choice. If using wine, pour it in first and add enough water or broth to cover the chicken about an inch.
    1 cup dry white wine, 4 cups cold water, 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • Place the pan on the stove and bring the liquid to a boil over medium-low heat. This will take about 10 minutes. Once boiling, turn off the heat.
  • Flip the chicken over. Cover the pan with a lid and let rest for 15 minutes. The chicken will continue to cook in the liquid. Chicken is done when an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes, slice, and serve.

Video

Notes

  • If using wine, pour it in first and add enough water or broth to cover the chicken about an inch.
  • Be sure to turn off the heat as soon as the liquid comes to a boil. You don’t want to overcook the chicken, which will dry it out.
  • You can use all types of liquids when preparing this dish, including chicken broth, water, beef broth, or your favorite wine.
  • Don't toss the poaching liquid; it makes a great base for soups and sauces! You can even cook rice in it!
Storage: Store poached chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 3766mg | Potassium: 1023mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 111IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg