How to Poach Chicken Breast

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword cooked chicken for salad, how to poach chicken, poached chicken, shredded chicken

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Total Time 17

Servings 1 serving

One chicken breast gently simmered in salted water until tender. Slice or shred it for salads, sandwiches, and bowls.

Ingredients

1 boneless skinless chicken breast
⅛ tsp kosher salt
Cold water enough to cover by one inch
Optional aromatics: garlic, onion, ginger, herbs or lemon slices

Directions

Put the chicken in a saucepan and add cold water to cover it by one inch.
Stir in the salt, plus any aromatics you like.
Heat the pan uncovered until tiny bubbles gather around the edges. Turn the heat to very low before the water boils.
Cover and poach gently for 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Lift the chicken out, cover it loosely and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then slice or shred it.

Nutrition

Nutrition is an estimate per serving from USDA FoodData Central, for the whole recipe (1 serving); skinless chicken breast counted as raw chicken breast. Brands and portions vary, so use it only as an approximation.