Perfectly Poached Chicken Breast: Tender, Juicy & Ready for Anything!

Okay, let's get this article cooking! ever stared blankly into your fridge, wondering what on earth to do with those chicken breasts? honestly, i've been there.

Today, we're diving deep into the world of the boiled chicken breast – but trust me, this isn't your grandma's dry, tasteless chicken.

We're talking juicy, tender, and ready to be the star of any dish!

Say Goodbye to Dry Chicken: Perfectly Poached is Here!

This method gives you chicken that's actually good . It's all about the poaching, baby! We're going for that melt-in-your-mouth texture you thought only restaurants could achieve.

Perfectly Poached Chicken Breast: Tender, Juicy & Ready for Anything! Recipe Card

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Preparation time:5 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each)
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

• Place the chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Gently lower the chicken breasts into the simmering broth. Ensure they are fully submerged.
• Reduce the heat to low, so the broth is just barely simmering. Cover the pot.
• Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
• Remove the chicken breasts from the broth and place them on a plate. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding.
• Shred or slice per desire.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:225

Fat:4g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Why Boil Frozen Chicken Breast ? The (Not-So-Secret) Secret

Boiling chicken breast might sound basic, but it's the unsung hero of meal prep. did you know that this simple method is great for getting lean protein into your meals? whether you're looking to boost your protein intake or just want a versatile ingredient, this recipe's got you covered.

Plus, you can totally boil frozen chicken breast in a pinch. seriously, it's a lifesaver when you've forgotten to defrost!

From Humble Beginnings: a Quick Overview

While asian boiled chicken recipes often get the spotlight, this method is all about simplicity and maximising flavour. the concept is so easy, even my dog could do it! (okay, maybe not, but you get the idea.

) this method is super easy. it takes just around 30 minutes to make. you'll get 4 servings, perfect for a small family or meal prepping for the week.

Unlock the Benefits: Health and Versatility All-in-One

Lean protein is the name of the game. this boiled chicken breast recipe is packed with it. it's perfect for a post-workout meal or a light lunch.

Think of it as the ultimate healthy comfort food. i personally love serving this chicken in salads or shredding it for tacos.

It's so versatile!.

How To Boil Chicken Breast To Shred : The Secret's in the Simmer

Boiling chicken breast to shred doesn't have to be a chore. the secret is in the gentle simmer! this ensures the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

We’ll use a flavorful broth and gentle heat to achieve that perfect texture. boiling chicken breast to shred never felt so good!

What Makes This Chicken So Special?

Honestly, it's the flavour infusion! we're not just boiling chicken breast , we're creating a flavour party in your pot.

I remember one time, i accidentally added too much thyme, and it was surprisingly delicious. that's the beauty of cooking - you can experiment! plus, it can be used as precooking chicken for recipes .

Next up, we'll dive into the ingredients and the magic that happens when they all come together. Get ready to transform your boiled chicken breast game forever!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some seriously tasty boiled chicken breast . It's all about those essential bits and bobs. Honestly, it’s simpler than you think.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Essentials

Main Ingredients: What You Really Need

Okay, so for four decent portions, grab:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Aim for about 6 oz (170g) each.
• 6 cups (1.4 litres) of low-sodium chicken broth.
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped.
• 2 carrots, also roughly chopped.
• 2 celery stalks, you guessed it, roughly chopped.
• 2 cloves of garlic, give 'em a good smash.
• 1 tsp of dried thyme.
• 1/2 tsp of black peppercorns.
• 1 bay leaf. The flavour, Oh my gosh!
• Salt. To taste, of course.

Quality Check: With chicken, freshness is key. Look for plump breasts that are pink, not greyish.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town!

Don’t underestimate seasoning! It’s what elevates this.

• Thyme, garlic, and bay leaf are a classic combo. Think proper Sunday roast vibes.
• For a bit of a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick.
• Out of thyme? Use rosemary. Just go easy on it; it's strong.

Honestly, getting the flavour right can hide the fact you've got boiled chicken breast . Its a trick.

Asian Boiled Chicken ? Throw in some ginger and soy sauce into the broth. BOOM!

Equipment Needed: Nothing Fancy

You don't need much gear, to boil frozen chicken breast for example you will need:

• A big pot. A Dutch oven is ideal.
• An instant-read thermometer. Seriously, get one!
• Big spoon to remove the chicken when its ready.
• Chopping board for preparation.
• Chef knife.

Household Hacks: No Dutch oven? Any large pot with a lid will do.

You can you boil frozen chicken breast , and can you boil frozen chicken , but the cooking time increases.

How long do you boil chicken breast that is frozen? add about 50% extra time. make sure it hits that 165° f ! how long to boil chicken for this recipe? 20- 25 minutes , usually does it for boiling chicken breast to shred .

This is useful for precooking chicken for recipes.

We are done!.

Right then, let's talk boiled chicken breast , yeah? it sounds a bit "bleh," but trust me, done right, it's a total game-changer.

We're not talking about the rubbery stuff your nan used to make. we're aiming for juicy and versatile. honestly, this is all about pre-cooking chicken for recipes .

Think of it as the ultimate protein base.

Prep Like a Pro, Cook Like a Boss

Mise en Place: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, essential mise en place . that's fancy french for "get your stuff sorted." grab 4 chicken breasts.

They need to be boneless and skinless. weighing about 6 oz each. get 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. chop one onion, 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks.

Smash 2 garlic cloves. get 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of peppercorns and 1 bay leaf. now you're ready.

Time-Saving Tip: Frozen? No Problem

Listen up: can you boil frozen chicken breast? yeah, you absolutely can. no need to defrost. just add about 10- 15 minutes to the cooking time.

However, fresh always tastes better, so i prefer defrosting them first.

Boil Chicken Breast Like a Master

Step 1: Flavour Bomb Broth

Throw your broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, peppercorns, and bay leaf into a big pot. crank up the heat to medium-high and bring it to a boil.

Asian boiled chicken variation? add some ginger and a splash of soy sauce to the broth.

Step 2: Chicken Takes a Bath

Gently place the chicken breasts into the simmering broth. Make sure they're all covered.

Step 3: Simmer Time (Key!)

Turn the heat down to low. we want a gentle simmer. cover the pot and let it cook for 20- 25 minutes .

For boil frozen chicken breast give it 30- 40 minutes . i nearly forgot to mention this.

Step 4: The Temperature Tells the Tale

Use an instant-read thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part of the breast. You're looking for 165° F ( 74° C) . This is the golden number.

Step 5: Rest and Relax

Take the chicken out of the broth and pop it on a plate. Let it chill for 5- 10 minutes . This is crucial. It keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 6: Shred It Up

Now, boiling chicken breast to shred is super easy. Just use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Perfect for salads or tacos. If not, slice it per desire.

Pro Tips: Secrets of the Boiled Chicken Masters

Avoid the Rubber Chicken Curse

Don't overcook it. Seriously. Overcooked chicken is like chewing on a shoe. Use a thermometer! Keep a close eye and pay attention to the how long do you boil chicken breast instructions.

Salting Shenanigans

Wait to salt the chicken until after it's cooked. Salting the broth can dry it out.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can boil chicken breast ahead of time. Once it's cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Honestly, how to boil chicken breast to shred or slice is pretty simple. but these tips will help you get it perfect every time.

Give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Right then, let's dive into the nitty-gritty with some extra notes on our perfectly poached boiled chicken breast recipe. It's all about making life easier, innit?

Recipe Notes: Cracking on with Boiled Chicken Breast

Serving Up Some Inspiration

• Plating like a pro: Honestly, even just laying the sliced boiled chicken breast on a bed of rocket (arugula for you fancy lot) looks posh. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice. Ta-dah!
• Sidekicks: For a proper dinner, think roasted veg – like sweet potatoes or broccoli. A simple quinoa salad works wonders too. And don't forget the bevvy! A crisp white wine or even a nice sparkling water with lemon is spot on.

Storing Your Boiled Chicken Breast Like a Boss

• Fridge Raid: Keep your cooked boiled chicken breast in an airtight container in the fridge. It's good for about 3-4 days, tops. Make sure it's cooled down properly first, yeah?
• Freezer Fun: You can absolutely freeze it! Wrap it well in cling film, then pop it in a freezer bag. It'll keep for about 2-3 months. Just remember to label it, so you don't end up with mystery meat later.
• Reheating Rumble: To reheat, microwave it with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Or, you can gently warm it in a pan with a bit of sauce. Just don't overcook it!

Twists and Turns: Mixing Up Your Boiled Chicken Breast

• Dietary Deviations: Gluten-free? No worries, this is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth. For a lower-carb option, ditch the sides like potatoes and focus on leafy greens.
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, use fresh herbs like basil and thyme. In the winter, root vegetables like parsnips and carrots add warmth. I also like using Asian Boiled Chicken techniques for variations.

Nosh Facts: Keeping it Healthy with Boiled Chicken Breast

• Quick Rundown: One serving is packed with protein. It's lean, mean, and keeps you feeling full. It's also low in fat and carbs. What's not to love?
• Health Points: Protein helps build and repair tissues. It's great for your muscles, skin, and hair. And it keeps you feeling satisfied, which is fab if you're watching your weight. One of the best ways is Boiling Chicken Breast To Shred for later.

Right, that's it from me! can you boil frozen chicken breast ? sure you can with the above tips and tricks.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. remember, cooking should be fun. give it a go, and let me know how it turns out! also, you can boil frozen chicken breast , just make sure the how long do you boil chicken breast is correct.