Benefits of poaching chicken breast
Poaching chicken breast is a cooking method that involves submerging the chicken in a liquid and cooking it at a low temperature. This method is great for several reasons:
1. Retains Moisture
Poaching chicken breast is a gentle cooking method that helps to retain moisture in the meat. Unlike other cooking methods like grilling or frying that can dry out the chicken, poaching keeps it juicy and tender. This makes it an ideal method for lean cuts of meat like chicken breast that can easily become dry and tough.
2. Healthy
Poaching is a healthy cooking method because it doesn't require any added fat. You can cook the chicken in water or broth, which helps to keep the calorie count low. Additionally, because the chicken is cooked at a low temperature, it doesn't form harmful compounds like acrylamide or heterocyclic amines that can form when meat is cooked at high temperatures.
3. Versatile
Poached chicken breast is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can serve it on its own with some vegetables or use it as a base for salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. Because it's so tender and flavorful, it can be paired with a variety of different flavors and ingredients.
Now that we've covered the benefits of poaching chicken breast, let's move on to the recipe.
Poached Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cups of chicken broth (or enough to cover the chicken) - 1 onion, sliced - 2 garlic cloves, crushed - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot, add the chicken broth, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add the chicken breasts to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Cover the pot and let the chicken cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it.
That's it! Your poached chicken breast is ready to be served. You can enjoy it on its own with some vegetables, or use it in a variety of dishes.
Serving Suggestions
1. Chicken Salad
Poached chicken breast is perfect for chicken salad. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with some mayo, celery, and grapes. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or on some toasted bread for a delicious and satisfying lunch.
2. Pasta Dish
Poached chicken breast is a great addition to pasta dishes. Cook up some pasta and toss it with some olive oil, garlic, and your favorite vegetables. Add in some shredded chicken and top with parmesan cheese for a quick and easy dinner.
3. Sandwich
Poached chicken breast is also perfect for sandwiches. Toast up some bread and add some shredded chicken, avocado, lettuce, and tomato for a healthy and delicious sandwich.
Conclusion
Poached chicken breast is a healthy, easy, and delicious way to cook chicken. It's perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner and can be used in a variety of dishes. Try out this recipe and see how easy it is to make juicy and tender chicken every time!