Description
Ina Garten’s poached chicken breast delivers elegant simplicity with classic French technique. Delicate, moist meat emerges perfectly seasoned, promising a nutritious and flavorful protein centerpiece you can enjoy in countless culinary creations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) skinless, boneless chicken breast
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 3 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
- 1 shallot, peeled and cut into four pieces
- 2 or 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
Seasonings and Liquid:
- 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) sea salt
- Enough water or chicken/vegetable broth to cover the chicken
Instructions
- Submerge the chicken breast in a large pot alongside minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, aromatic bay leaf, delicate thyme sprigs, and a pinch of salt, ensuring the water covers the ingredients by 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters).
- Position the pot on medium heat and allow the liquid to gradually warm, watching for gentle bubbles to emerge around the edges, which signals the beginning of a soft simmer.
- Once a consistent, gentle simmering develops, reduce the heat to low, creating a controlled cooking environment that promotes even and tender chicken preparation.
- Maintain a low heat and let the chicken poach for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the proteins to cook slowly and retain maximum moisture and flavor.
- Verify the chicken’s doneness by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the meat; the internal temperature should precisely reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Alternatively, perform a visual and textural check by carefully cutting into the thickest part of the chicken, confirming that the juices run completely clear without any pink hue.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board, allowing it to rest for 2 to 3 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
- Slice the chicken against the grain into uniform pieces, preparing it for immediate serving with optional complementary garnishes or accompaniments.
Notes
- Customize your poaching liquid with aromatic herbs, transforming plain chicken into a flavor-packed protein.
- Simplicity meets culinary magic in this foolproof technique that guarantees tender, juicy results every time.
- Storing leftovers becomes a breeze with chicken that maintains its moisture and taste for days in the refrigerator.
- Versatile and lean, this chicken adapts effortlessly to countless recipes from salads to sandwiches.
- Professional-level cooking technique requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness and restaurant-quality results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 226
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg