How to Poach Chicken

Poaching chicken is an easy technique that cooks the chicken in seasoned, hot water. Because it doesn’t use any oil or butter, this method produces chicken that is low in fat while still succulent and full of flavour.

All you need to do is boil a pot of water, adding lemon juice and various seasonings such as salt, pepper, bay leaves and garlic. Reduce the water to a simmer and add the chicken. It’s a good idea to use a pair of tongs to place the chicken in the pot to make sure the hot water doesn’t splash you.

After 10 minutes, turn off the stovetop, flip over the chicken, and leave it in the simmering water for another 15 minutes. Then, remove the chicken breasts from the water, and enjoy with your favourite side dish. Poached chicken is also great for use in sandwiches, as a filling for wraps, pot pies, and on salads.

Watch the video above for step-by-step instructions on how to season the water for perfectly poached chicken, every time.

What you’ll need:

• 1 large skillet
• 2 chicken breasts (bone-in)
• 1 L of water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp of peppercorns
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced.

For more healthy chicken recipes check out our other poached recipes below.