Gentle Poached Chicken with Carrot and Zucchini Puree

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A soothing poached chicken breast served with a smooth carrot and zucchini puree, designed for easy digestion and gentle on the gut. This general-inspired healthy bowls (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, medium (about 200 g) carrot, medium (about 150 g) zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 pieces of chicken breast in a medium saucepan with 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup water, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and poach the chicken for 15 minutes until cooked through and tender.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, peel and chop 2 medium carrots and 1 medium zucchini into 1-inch pieces. Steam the vegetables in a steamer basket over boiling water for 10 minutes until soft and tender.
  3. Step 3: Transfer steamed carrot and zucchini to a blender, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and blend until smooth and creamy, adding a little cooking water if needed to loosen the puree.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from the broth and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing thinly. Serve sliced chicken over the carrot-zucchini puree for a mild, nourishing meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Gentle Poached Chicken with Carrot and Zucchini Puree take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gentle Poached Chicken with Carrot and Zucchini Puree?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gentle Poached Chicken with Carrot and Zucchini Puree?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gentle Poached Chicken with Carrot and Zucchini Puree for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Gentle Poached Chicken with Carrot and Zucchini Puree gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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