Perfectly Poached Chicken

Published Updated
5 from 1 vote
2 Comments

This Perfectly Poached Chicken is juicy and quick and easy to make. Itโ€™s a no-fuss recipe that gives you perfectly cooked and tasty chicken that you can use for loads of different things. Basically anywhere you need chicken. Salads, sandwiches, wraps or just a simple rice dish!

Close up of a plate of juicy poached chicken

Nicks favourite thingโ€ฆ

I love how simple this recipe is. And itโ€™s no fuss. Simply add the chicken and aromatics (lemongrass, lemon slices and bay leaves) into a deep pot and let it sit there with the heat off for 20 minutes. Boom, perfectly poached chicken! And you can use it in loads of different ways!

Tongs holding poached chicken

What does it taste like?

The chicken is not salted. In fact thatโ€™s done for two reasons. So that you can have control over flavour in whatever you add it in (see below). The second reason is because the chicken doesnโ€™t cook properly with salt added to the water.

Ways to serve your Perfectly Poached Chicken.

There are loads of ways to serve your chicken!

  • Sandwiches
  • Salads
  • Wraps
  • With rice
  • Soups
  • Laksa
  • Sushi
Square image for A salad bowl filled with Vietnamese Chicken Salad

Other aromatics

In this recipe I use bay leaves, lemongrass and lemon. But you can also add:

  • Garlic
  • Fresh herbs
  • Ginger
  • Onion
Aromatics for poached chicken recipe

Ingredients you need to make this Perfectly Poached Chicken!

Perfectly Poached Chicken Ingredients image

Bay leaves – you can use fresh or dried.

Lemon – I sliced mine but you can add it as wedges if you like.

Lemongrass – fresh is best!

Chicken breasts – I used large chicken breasts for this recipe. You can use chicken tenderloin for this recipe as well.

Letโ€™s go through each step.

Instructional image for Perfectly Poached Chicken 01
  1. Fill a deep pot or frypan with water and bring to a boil.
  2. Add the bay leaves, lemon slices, lemongrass
Instructional image for Perfectly Poached Chicken 02
  1. And chicken. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the water.
  2. Turn the heat off. Cover with a lid and allow to sit for 20 minutes.
Instructional image for Perfectly Poached Chicken 03
  1. Use tongs to take the chicken out.
  2. Slice and serve whichever way you like.
Instructional image for Perfectly Poached Chicken 04

My Top Tips!

Storage

Chicken can be stored in an airtight container, in the fridge for up to three days.

Chicken temperature

Cooked chicken must reach an internal temperature of 75C / 165F.

How to Freeze

Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge for a day and serve.

Top down shot of juicy poached chicken

Other Healthy Recipes You Might Like!

Gave this a go? Donโ€™t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Hungry for more? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok for more great recipes!

Poached Chicken - thumbnail 24

Perfectly Poached Chicken

This Perfectly PoachedChicken is juicy and quick and easy to make. Itโ€™s a no-fuss recipe that gives you perfectly cooked chicken.

Serves 2

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Course: Sides
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 lemon sliced
  • Lemongrass
  • 2 large / 400 g large chicken breasts

Learn How To Make it! [VIDEO]


Instructions

  • Fill a deep pot or frypan with water and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaves, lemon slices, lemongrass and chicken. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the water. Turn the heat off. Cover with a lid and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Use tongs to take the chicken out. Slice and serve whichever way you like.

Notes

Storage
Chicken can be stored in an airtight container, in the fridge for up to three days.
Chicken temperature
Cooked chicken must reach an internal temperature of 75C / 165F.
How to Freeze
Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge for a day and serve.
Ways to serve your poached chicken
There are loads of ways to serve your chicken!
  • Sandwiches
  • Salads
  • Wraps
  • With rice
  • Soups
  • Laksa
  • Sushi
Other aromatics
In this recipe I use bay leaves, lemongrass and lemon. But you can also add:
  • Garlic
  • Fresh herbs
  • Ginger
  • Onion

Nutrition

Calories : 1kcal
Carbonhydrates: 1g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1g
Sodium: 1mg
Potassium : 1mg
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin A: 6IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 1mg
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclosure
Gave this recipe a go?Mention @thescranline or tag #thescranline!

2 comments

Engela Prinsloo February 10, 2022 - 8:46 am

5 stars
Self taught or not, I just found your website. I browsed some of your recipes and I love them.

Reply
Nick Makrides August 2, 2022 - 11:02 am

Thanks Engela! N x

Reply
5 from 1 vote

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating