Poached Chicken Breasts
Tender poached chicken breasts infused with aromatic onion, herbs, and lemon, served with a fresh basil-lemon sauce, perfect for light, flavorful meals and versatile gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large skillet.
- Top with sliced onion, lemon juice, parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt.
- Pour over enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is just tender and no longer pink in the center.
- Remove from heat and allow the chicken to cool in the broth.
- With a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the broth and arrange on a platter.
- Strain and reserve the stock for another use.
- Coat the chicken with Basil-Lemon Sauce and serve garnished with basil leaves and cherry tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in lemon juice and herbs for a few hours before poaching. You can substitute fresh parsley with thyme or dill if desired. To enhance the broth, add garlic or a splash of white wine. If you prefer a quicker option, use pre-cooked chicken for salads or sandwiches. This dish can also be transformed into Mediterranean recipes by incorporating olives and feta cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the poached chicken with a drizzle of Basil-Lemon Sauce for a zesty kick. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a healthy meal. It also goes well with Deluxe Rice Pilaf, which complements the flavors beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover poached chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the broth over low heat to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, slice and serve it cold in salads or wraps for a refreshing option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poached Chicken Breasts contains roughly 219 calories, with 24g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), and potassium (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 558mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for poaching?
Yes, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking. Frozen chicken may require a longer cooking time, and poaching from frozen can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I do with the leftover broth?
The leftover broth is a flavorful base for soups, sauces, or cooking grains. Strain it and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it in ice cube trays for easy use in future recipes.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
Check the chicken for doneness by cutting into the thickest part to ensure it's no longer pink and the juices run clear. For precise measurement, use a meat thermometer to confirm it has reached 165°F.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).